Meet Natalie Anthone | Ceramic Artist & Teacher

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

Hi Natalie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I always felt called to be an artist. I came from a very creative household. My mom being a jazz piantist and my sister a painter, I was encouraged to make art, and it was an outlet for me. However, as I grew up, I feared I wouldn’t be able to make art into a career. So, I changed majors a few times throughout college and worked random jobs, but nothing ever clicked. I just kept going back to making art. I had the passion and the drive to create things, and when I wasn’t, I felt like a huge part of me was missing. Now that I’m a teacher, I get to share my passion with others and help them express themselves, which has brought even more purpose and joy to my career than I could’ve imagined.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a figurative sculpture artists who primarily works with clay/ceramic. My work centers around themes of spirituality, connected consciousness, growth, culture, psychedelia, and modern vs. ancient art and technology. Right now, I’m producing a series of functional ceramic hookahs. I’m really excited about this series because I’m blending wheel throwing, sculpture, function, and smoke ware all together while also honoring traditional Indian pipe/bowl making practices. I’m inspired by the communal aspect of hookah culture, bringing people together around a sacred pipe to connect and converse. Something that is even more appreciated in a post-lockdown world.

I’ve certainly had my fair share of uphill battles to get where I am now. I’ve encountered many failures, rejections, and criticisms. However, my perseverance has always prevailed. I’ve learned that you have to be your own biggest fan, your own cheerleader. Always learn from the past, but look to the future and how things could right. What I want people to takeaway from my art is that growth starts from within. We all have the capability to become our greatest if we work on ourselves first, and then come together to heal the collective.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, of course I first would have to say Red Rocks! The music, people, nature, and overall energy there has been a huge inspiration to my art and a big reason I moved here. I usually take my family to Linger for dinner when they come to visit, and then Williams & Graham speakeasy for drinks. I personally love Green Seed Market inside the Denver Central Market, and there’s plenty of other restaurant options there, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. Then I’d hit up Meadowlark Bar next-door for live music, drinks, and a fun atmosphere. (Monday night’s jazz night!) Meow Wolf is a must for anyone visiting, followed by a walk around Cheesman Park to return back to Earth! Lucky Noodles just a few blocks away for some of my favorite Thai food in the city (it’s super cute and cozy inside! Also the Thai iced tea is really good). Then my local bar, Thin Man or Herbs Hideout for more local music and open mic. There’s also tons of music at the plethora of venues around Denver every weekend, just depends what you’re listening to!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m going to dedicate my shout out to Colleen Toledano, my professor and mentor at Buffalo State College. Colleen always pushed me to be the best artistic version of myself. She always had my best interests at heart and I definitely would not be where I am today if not for her support and encouragement throughout the years. Colleen truly cares about her students, she would even come to the school late at night and on weekends to help me with kiln malfunctions, and always provided me with incredible opportunities for growth. Thank you, Colleen, for everything!

Website: https://natalieanthone.weeblysite.com

Instagram: sacredceramicsart