Crafting Art from Life's Rich Tapestry
Images by Toma Miiu Bangkok for Odissea
In the vast landscape of contemporary art and design, few names resonate as profoundly as Nathalie Martinez. A true multidisciplinary artist, Nathalie’s expertise spans creative direction, graphic design, and photography, establishing her as a force in the creative industry. Her journey is marked by a dedication to artistic excellence and an innovative spirit that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Nathalie's upbringing was steeped in multicultural influences. Her European heritage played a significant role in shaping her creative sensibilities, exposing her from a young age to classical European art, music, and culture. Coming from a family of artists, her early years were profoundly influenced by her grandfather, a Jewish refugee who escaped Austria for New York and eventually settled in Mexico. A highly recognized photographer, her grandfather's home was a sanctuary of art and culture, filled with vinyl records of Chopin's classics and a rich, artistic atmosphere that left an indelible mark on her.
Nathalie’s mother, a renowned illustrator in Mexico, and her father, a visionary design pioneer and one of the first European furniture importers in Mexico, further enriched her artistic environment. These diverse influences nurtured her early interest in aesthetics and set the stage for her future career.
After high school, Nathalie embarked on a transformative journey to New York, where she was accepted at Parsons, The New School. Like many teenage girls, she dreamt of succeeding in the fashion industry. Shortly after starting her degree, she was scouted by two major modeling agencies, propelling her into a career that had once seemed out of reach. For four years, she balanced modeling with part-time studies, but this dual path led her to question whether she truly wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
Seeking clarity, Nathalie paused her life in New York and embarked on an adventure to Paris, the city of her dreams. Moving to Paris presented new challenges as she ventured further from home, alone and without a clear direction. However, she embraced this uncertainty, leaving her fate to the city's magic.
Images by Toma Miiu Bangkok for Odissea
In Paris, Nathalie experienced a profound sense of loneliness that was both daunting and inspiring. The city's grey yet enchanting streets, with their Art Nouveau and classical architecture, ignited her creativity. She began experimenting with mixed media, creating collages from paintings and photographs she took. These works, infused with hidden messages of her emotions and her daily mundane life, became a new medium through which she expressed her vulnerability.
For the past six years, Nathalie has worked as an Art Director, capturing and creating effervescent moments designed to leave a lasting impact. Her photographs freeze specific milliseconds, transforming mundane scenes into perfect compositions meant to be admired.
Nathalie's artistic journey, marked by her multicultural background, her experiences in New York and Paris, and her innate ability to find beauty in the ordinary, continues to evolve. Through her multidisciplinary approach, she weaves together diverse influences and mediums, creating art that resonates deeply with her audience. After founding her jewellery brand Odissea, in 2019 she realised how her experiences shaped the brand’s DNA. Her photography, her interest to detail, the composition of elements and textures, it all led to the making of a very strong visual identity for which she stands by today as, Odissea “ A voyage naked by changes of fortune.”
Nathalie stands as a testament to the power of embracing one's heritage and experiences to create meaningful, impactful art. Her journey from Mexico City to the vibrant streets of New York and the enchanting avenues of Paris has shaped her into a visionary artist. Today, she continues to captivate and inspire, using her unique perspective to craft art that transcends boundaries and celebrates the rich tapestry of life.
For more information on Nathalie and Odissea, follow Odissea on instagram and discover their latest collections on Odisseany.com