nat s.p.
(they/she pronouns)
Location: Current -Ypsilanti, MI- Raised in Ann Arbor, Young Adulthood in Olympia, WA.
Fiber Artist - multi-sensory fabric and tactile art pieces, custom sensory plushies, + more
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Socials:
Instagram- @nat.makes.things
Website: nats-p.com
Emails: nschultz2012@gmail.com
nataliep@annarboracademy.org
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Artist Bio:
I’ve been creating worlds and creatures since I was very little. Different beings with varied origins have journeyed through invented landscapes and, honestly, that hasn’t changed. The creatures have become larger and softer, in fact. I create sensory objects that are meant to be comfortable, soothing, odd, interactive and exploratory. They reflect a cultural need for comfort and the utter oddity of the world and its creations. We spend a lot of time being uncomfortable or having our comfort threatened- of course this varies with social location, but I work to make my impact on the world soft, kind, and expansive. It’s more difficult than it sounds.
( “Give urself a break ;) ”, Nat S.P. 2022. 14”x8”, Fleece, embroidery, wire, found fabrics)
My background is in queer studies, anti-capitalist studies, studio art, art history and carpentry to pay the bills while I studied those things. Working on construction sites informs a lot of my desire to soften edges and be gentle with each other. I’ve recently made a career switch into the field of education where I support children with their sensory needs at an independent school in Ann Arbor
(“Sensory Cube Chain”, 2023. 30 fabric cubes each around 3”x3”x3, Fleece, found textiles, various connections of velcro, buttons, magnets, and snaps.)
I believe that my neurodivergencies knew I was an artist before I knew myself. Just as the queer creature inside me knew, before we had the words. When overwhelmed, I would escape into worlds that could only be reached by critters in cardboard boats. In excitement, I could make them certificates for their own accomplishments.
(“Beautiful Bodies- Full Color”, 2021. 8”x8”, Fleece, carpet backing)
When playing with others, it was easy to invite peers to share in some magic and parallel play with their own inventions. Creating soft creatures allowed me to immerse myself in invention and to break from the overwhelm of the external world.
( “Large Friend”, 2022. 2´x4.5´, Commission for a newborn baby, Fleece, found fabrics, yarn, elastic scraps from fabric designed by UofM Architecure Students.)
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