As part of our biennial arts programme ARTBOURNE at Wellesley, we have visiting artist-in-residence spend three weeks creating art in our art room. This year we had Natchez Hudson sharing his passion and inspiring us to experiment with different art styles and techniques. Natchez Hudson is Wellesley’s fifth artist-in-residence and before he left, Tyler of the Wellesley Media Team sat down with Natchez. 

Q (Tyler): When did you first start getting into art and how did you start?

A (Natchez): So I have always been a very creative person. And when I was a boy around your age (12) I was always making cartoons, drawings, paintings, that kind of thing. It was probably around the age of 11 or 12 I started to put a lot of time and effort into it. And in high school I really focused on it. After that I went to art school. So it was probably around intermediate/high school age I started to really focus on making art.

Q: How long have you been making pieces of art for? How long did it take for you to sell your first piece?

A: I sold my first painting just after I left art school. I guess I was about 21. And I have been professional/semi professional since then. Some years you sell more some years you don’t. Although for probably the  last three years I have been basically a full time professional. 

Q: Do you know where you sell most of your pieces. Is there an art event where you sell most of your pieces? 

A: So I sell mostly through galleries. I sell lots of my paintings through a gallery in Zermatt, Switzerland. It’s a ski resort in the mountains. I also sell through a gallery in Nelson. And quite often exhibit in Wellington. Sometimes I also go to other events like ARTBOURNE, and that kind of thing. 

Glen Jorna, Natchez Hudson and a group of Year 7 boys

Q: You have your own cool and unique style – How did you develop your style?

A: I guess my style has developed over many years, it’s changed from when I was younger when it had a lot more expressive gestures in it. Over time, it has become a lot more refined and the more I paint realistic art, the better I get at it, and the more I do it. Until it has kind of taken over what I do. There are a few artists that have been important to me in developing that style many of them are international artists.

Q: Is there anything you try to express in your art? If so what is it?

A: I don’t like to talk too much about the meaning of specific artworks. I don’t want to pre interpret what other people think of them when they see them. I would rather let them have fun with what they mean. Although for me a lot of the themes or ideas when I am making them are to do with the environment. And that’s coming through quite a lot here with the work I am doing now. 

Q: Yes, I can see lots of nature involved in your artwork. 

A: Yes, so I am inspired by the environment, because if my artwork was themed it would be putting dominant meanings in my work and that would be taking away other people’s ideas.  

Q: Is there anything else you would like to say?

A: I would like to thank Wellesley and the Foundation and Mr Jorna and everyone for having me at the school. It’s been a great experience.  And I am looking forward to the exhibition where my work will be for sale. I also think ARTBOURNE is a  really great programme that I hope they continue. 

Tyler: Thank you for sharing your time and creative passion with us, it has been awesome seeing you work and I know my class and I have really enjoyed watching you create and inspire. We look forward to seeing more of your work at the Residency and Student Art Exhibition later this term.

• Residency Studio Workshop with Natchez Hudson, assisted by Glen Jorna – Sunday 15th September, 10am – 4pm, $185.00, Wellesley Art Room.   
• Residency and Student Art Exhibition – Tues 24th September, 7pm, Wellesley Centennial Hall.

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