Feminine Power as Vitality: Interview with Self Portrait-Photographer, Natalie Wheeler
Art by Natalie Wheeler
Interview by KBR featured in Contagion Media Magazine Vol. 3
Graphic Design by Corinne Ficarra
How has photography changed your life?
Photography has allowed me to bring to life parts of myself that were repressed and locked away. I need to express myself artistically to experiment and create. For many years I didn’t even realize huge parts of me were being neglected. Now that I am nourishing my inner artist, I feel much more whole as a human being.
Why self-portrait boudoir photography?
A substantial portion of my self-portraits express my sensuality, but a lot of them could fall into different categories, and some might not fit into any established category. When I take the time and space to create self-portraits, I never really know what is going to unfold. Again, much of it involves experimentation. I frequently try out new photography techniques, shoot in new environments, and am experiencing new emotions or old emotions in a new way.
How do you feel the art & media industry has changed for women since you have been alive?
I am glad to see more women being represented and finding success in the arts. We can look at self- portraiture as a specific example of a rapidly growing area female artists are turning to for expression and personal creative freedom. I feel truly fortunate to have connected with many female self-portrait artists and often feel an immediate deep connection. Many of us have experienced similar traumas, have felt unseen and unheard in our lives, possess opinions and gifts to share with the world. When we weave these pieces together into our art, magic happens!
What is your ultimate goal in your artistic career?
I am more of a dreamer than a goal setter. It would make me incredibly happy to travel the world making art and selling it in galleries.
What was your first impression about photography before you started to dive into it?
My mom was constantly taking pictures and documenting me and my sisters’ childhood. As a child my understanding of photography was to use it to document trips and special occasions. When I was in 5th grade, I was given a little film camera for my birthday. The first pictures I took with it were as follows: my new neon wall clock, my feet up on the wall,
and my cat, Sugar, lying in the grass (several of those). I suppose these would not fall into those categories most people would call “special occasions,” but children like to experiment and that’s something I’ve held onto in in adulthood.
Are there any other art mediums you have been wanting to pick up?
There is still much to explore in the photography realm. I started introducing film into my repertoire a few years ago and someday I would like to have a dark room and do my own developing. After homeschooling my two children last year (and continuing with one of my kids next year too), I have embraced the art of teaching. That endeavor has and will continue to take up a lot of my creative energies at least for the next year. For our art class, we subscribe to SketchBox. It’s a monthly delivery of assorted art supplies that provide a lot of fun experimentation.
What does the power of femininity mean to you?
Personally, I experience feminine power as vitality -- literally life- giving energy. I use this energy to make sense of the world and create a meaningful existence.
Have you ever experienced harsh criticism for your work. If so, what was it? How did it make you feel?
Not harsh criticism, per se. It’s more the case that my work is often judged negatively because it can be “provocative.” No doubt there have been more than a few whispers along the lines that I shouldn’t be making such
art as a mother and married person. That somehow nudity is equivalent to sex or sexual behavior, rather than our natural state of being. I could go on, but dwelling on the negativity isn’t helpful for me. Let’s face it, the critics probably aren’t reading this or any other type of art- based interview or writing anyway. And I certainly don’t see my role in creating art as changing people or their minds. The more critical point to be made is that people are always confusing sex/sexuality with sensuality, but they are different. Each has its unique qualities which play a role in our well-being as humans. Joy and love are what life itself is FOR! My children and people who really know me, tell me that my voice and willingness to create based on what I believe in, helps gives them strength and confidence to be who they are. That is the best compliment and feedback I could ever hope to receive. It becomes easier every day to tune out the critical whispers because I believe in what I am doing and that it is force for positivity, pleasure, and empowerment.
How would you describe your photography style to someone who hasn’t seen your work?
I could describe my style as highly personal, experimental and poetic, but I’d prefer to let the photos speak for themselves. Lately, I’ve found it sufficient to say that my work is my style. It is something that comes from the inside as a manifestation of the soul.
Do you feel like your genre of photography has helped empower you as a woman?
Absolutely! It has given me a voice, and enabled me to find my unique purpose. I can finally see my gifts in addition to my faults/flaws. My journey in art has allowed me to hear my voice above others, which is a fundamental basis for feeling empowered.
Are there any women artists who inspire you?
So many! I am inspired every day by female artists on social media, or when I visit art galleries and museums.
I started in self-portraiture without really knowing of any of the established/recognized self- portrait artists other than Frida Kahlo (I was fortunate enough to tour La Casa Azul many, many years ago). As I began exploring the work of other self-portrait artists later in life, I became fascinated with the work of Francesca Woodman and Vivian Maier. Recently, I came across the work of Jo Spence, and I am in awe of her work combatting antiquated gender stereotypes.
What has been your biggest accomplishment throughout your entire artistic career?
It is the personal accomplishment of believing in myself. The strength I derived from believing in myself helped me to realize that I deserve to be here creating just as much
as anyone else does. When that happened, I tossed aside societal boundaries that did not work
for me and felt that my creative energies were truly limitless.
