NATALIE RICHARDSON

My Bolivian heritage inspires me to seek a feeling of home and belonging in the forests, creeks and mountains of Appalachia because they resemble the Chapare and Yungas mountainous rain forests that I frequented as a child. I played in the creeks and springs of these rain-forests as a child. Prior to living in North East Tennessee, I lived in Gainesville FL, and then the springs would give me a sense of home. When I need a pause to find myself or to seek guidance or renewal, I go to find my water. Painting the precious water that springs cold from the rocks carrying life within it from the beginning of time gives me a sense of purpose and reverence. As I paint the cool sacred blue springs and think of the human and animal pilgrimage to it for generations, again I feel a sense of respect and purpose. These are my waters that hold all knowledge of myself and of life beyond. They are my healing sacred water.

Natalie Richardson is a Bolivian-American artist residing in Greeneville TN. She lives close to the Pisgah and Cherokee national forests which she visits weekly. She is the mother of Ani (9) and Clara (7). You may also find her work in Hot Springs, NC and in Greeneville TN.