Meet Natalia Victoria: Artist and performing artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalia Victoria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalia, why did you pursue a creative career?
Being the daughter of creatives, I’ve been exposed to the arts and encouraged to be creative my entire life. I never thought I’d turn my passions into a career. But upon discovering that I would be a mother, I decided to build my career around being a Mom, because more importantly to me, motherhood is the most significant role in my life. I never took a single art class, not even in highschool, but that didn’t discourage me from jumping in to learn as much as I could. I started with drawing anything and everything; then painting in different styles, mediums, and on various surfaces. My desire to become a better painter and artist led to underwater movement/ underwater modeling and mermaid life. I also picked up body painting, which led to roller dance. The last decade have revealed much development for me. One thing led to the next, and everything just felt right and into place. Even though I had family and loved ones tell me to get a real job, I didn’t allow other discouraging people to get in the way of what I felt like I was destined to do and become. I pursued every opportunity I was presented with, which lead me to become the artist and performing artist I am today, ultimately allowing me to be the mother I wish to be. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist and performing artist, I am a woman “who wears many hats.” Some days, I climb up and down scaffolds to paint murals on buildings. Some days, I teach/demonstrate how to paint for others in a fun setting, along to live music. Some days, I face/body paint the most talented performers and transform them into their character for their performances. Some days, I dress in costumes to roller dance for events and parades. Some days, I wear a tail and become a mermaid for awhile. Some days, I paint from home for clients while watching my daughter play. Some days, I paint murals on the street for festivals to raise awareness of a subject I’m passionate about. No matter what day it is, I feel truly grateful to be doing what I love, and sharing my passions with others. The most important thing I’ve learned through my journey as an artist and performing artist, is that I don’t do all this just for myself or to support my living and my child’s. I create for others. Has my journey been easy? Not at all, but it’s all been worth it. I love sharing my passions with the world. I love inspiring others to follow their dreams or to create anything, big or small.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have a diverse group of friends and family, so really understanding what they want out of their visit to me in Houston is where I would start. There’s a few places I would love to take friends and family to eat and drink, like Warehouse72. My portrait was beautifully painted on the wall there by my talented friend Sebastien “Mr D.” There is even a cocktail named after me called, The Phoenix. The food is amazing of course, as well as the atmosphere and customer service. I would also take loved ones to a new establishment in Houston called, City Cellars HTX. I painted a large mural there and got to know the owner and staff during the process. One thing I really love to do is support friends and their dreams. This new wine bar and restaurant in the museum district is a favorite place to frequent. I also love the zoo, museums, visiting Pleasure Pier at Galveston’s beach, state parks, seeing my friends perform at Numbers Night club on their burlesque night, or going to watch my friends perform wherever they are. I have an awesome bunch of incredibly talented friends that make for a really great and unforgettable night out. I also like to bring my buddies to 1886 Humble Backyard to try the world’s greatest bloody mary created by my friend Jason. And of course, if any of my friends want a street art tour, I know all sorts of incredible murals around the city.

I’d also like to include Humble Family Skate Center. It’s a place I often frequent, and have been a patron for 33 years. I love to share my passion for skating with others, and if anyone wants to join me at anytime, I have several pairs of skates to lend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been many people a part of my journey that I am grateful to for helping me reach this point in my journey as an artist, but I give most credit to my incredibly amazing mother, Elizabeth. She has been my number one supporter in life. She has encouraged me to follow my dreams every step of the way, offering all the love and mentorship a daughter like me could need. She has been my inspiration every day, and I am so grateful for her powerful influence in my life.

Website: NataliaVictoriaArt.com
Instagram: Bia.Natalia.Victoria and EnVie_NataliaVictoria
Facebook: NataliaVictoriaArt and NataliaVictoria

Image Credits
Greyson Carlyle Photography Scott Dean Photography