Behind the art of Chloë Natalia
By  Isha Sesay 

Working almost entirely by hand, Chloë Natalia transforms paper into intricate sculptural forms that echo the geometry and rhythm of nature. Inspired by botanical structures, light and the organic patterns found in the natural world, the artist has developed a distinctive practice that balances delicate craftsmanship with striking dimensionality. Based in Ibiza for more than a decade, Chloë draws constant inspiration from the island’s landscapes and creative energy, where her meticulously crafted works reveal the quiet power of paper as both material and medium.

Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist.
We moved to Ibiza from the United Kingdom 13 years ago which gave me the freedom and inspiration to explore the creativity that had been quietly lurking beneath the surface. My first large flower sculpture was created for my wedding here on the island, where I had the idea to create something with large paper flowers, resulting in a huge creation that covered the length of the wall. There was so much interest in the work that it motivated me to continue on this path. I was fortunate that commissions started to flow in and I’ve been able to make this my full time career. When I think back, I have always had a strange attraction to paper, I recall as a child coveting the neat shelves of vibrantly coloured papers and cards at art shops and stockpiling it without having a real plan. Now that love affair has blossomed into a studio full of the stuff.

 Your paper sculptures are largely hand-crafted. What draws you to the meditative  process of cutting and sculpting each piece by hand?
At school I was never at ease with my painting or drawing skills so I convinced myself that I was not  an artist. Although I did go on to study photography which fed some of my artistic urges, I ignored  most other artistic practices for many years. When I did start to explore art again, it was by chance that I picked up a surgical cutting blade, and I quickly realised that I found this tool very natural to use. I find the process of creating intricate paper-cuts incredibly therapeutic. It allows the artwork to unfold organically, guided by intuition, which is an essential part of my creative journey.

Nature, particularly botanical and floral forms, runs deeply through your work. What continues to inspire you about these structures?
I have always been fascinated by the sublime forms and geometric intricacies found in nature. The mystical order is an endless source of inspiration for me. Often, I will photograph a flower or a plant, and when seen through a macro lens their magnificence blows me away. My artworks pay homage to these forms and a reminder of the incredible beauty that surrounds us. There is a rhythmic quality to the way petals and leaves organise themselves, which resonates deeply with me.

What do you enjoy about transforming paper into something sculptural and dimensional?
Paper is a very versatile medium to work with and allows me to manipulate from 2D to 3D with relative ease, transforming simple sheets into emotion and physical form. Thankfully I have a mathematical brain so enjoy the engineering elements of creating the sculptures. At times it can be challenging to translate the complex natural forms using only paper as the sculptures are created from a variety of types and weights of paper and card. Each has to be worked with differently and has its own distinctive characteristics. I use many techniques to bring the sculptures to life; cutting with blades and scissors, layering and constructing to add depth, sculpting by hand for the lighter weights and with heat for the heavier papers. It’s a hugely satisfying process to see them come to life.

You have lived in Ibiza for over a decade. How has the island shaped your artistic voice?
I have the island to thank for giving me the time, space and inspiration to start my art practice. It is impossible to be here and not be inspired by the place. The ethereal nature-filled backdrops, the luminescent light, the turquoise waters, the winter sunsets that set the sky on fire, you will find all of this in my artworks.

Where is your curiosity taking you next?
I’m continuing to evolve my Bring The Outside In botanical series alongside the Physical Optics works. I always have far too many ideas I want to bring to life and not enough hours in the day to execute them all. I love the variety that the different styles of my work allow me to explore. I enjoy working with clients and interior designers to create custom pieces. I had a fantastic solo exhibition in Ibiza at the new Olas Gallery and I work with a couple of galleries in London, so hopefully more opportunities like these will present themselves to share my artwork with a wider audience.

Read Chloë Natalia interview on BMI:MAG limited edition, find your copy at @bluemarlinibiza and throughout Ibiza’s hotspots.