Artist Spotlight: Natalia Franco
Natalia Franco is the sculptor and creator of Goop World, an ever-expanding realm of characters, design and explorative sculpture. She uses materials like ceramic, paints, resin, steel, foam and faux plants, finding no end to the expansive nature of sculpture. Her desire to create is fueled by the human experience – a release of love, pain and soul that opens the heart and mind and frees up space for introspection and observation. “Who are you, Earthling?” Franco’s first solo show at MIXD will take place in July.
M: Can you tell us a little about your background and your journey as an artist?
NATALIA FRANCO: World-building has always been a big part of me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to creating my own characters, animals and designs.
M: Could you share a pivotal moment or experience from your life that propelled you toward the world of ceramics?
NF: Throughout my high school years, I filled my notebook pages with doodles of creatures and alternate worlds, trying to find an outlet for emotions that I couldn’t fully process or express. Sculpting made me feel truly alive. I could finally take these creatures, and these complex feelings, into my hands and make them real – really, physically, real – just when I needed it most. I connected deeply with my sculptures, and to my surprise, other people did too!
I am absolutely head-over-heels in love with our Earth. In nature, I find truth, belonging and excitement.
NATALIA FRANCO
M: Your work explores the “Connection and relationship we have with Earth and nature” Could you elaborate?
NF: I am absolutely head-over-heels in love with our Earth. I am passionate about its animals. I am passionate about its vast ecosystems. I am passionate about its people, who I get to connect with and love. In nature, I find truth, belonging and excitement.
M: When integrating your pieces into spaces, what are the main factors you consider to ensure a harmonious interaction between your art and the environment?
NF: I love to think about the story that will be told through the interaction of the sculpture and surrounding environment. There is so much value and personality that can be brought to a space through forms, lighting, colors, and textures.
M: Experimentation fuels innovation. How do you balance trying new techniques and approaches with maintaining a cohesive artistic style?
NF: In sculpture, and especially in world building, there are endless applications for putting new techniques to use. I am constantly experimenting with new mediums and find myself continually inspired by Nature’s endless colors, shapes, fractals and animals.
In sculpture, and especially in world building, there are endless applications for putting new techniques to use. I am constantly experimenting with new mediums and find myself continually inspired by Nature’s endless colors, shapes, fractals and animals.
NATALIA FRANCO
M: Which contemporary artists resonate the most with you at the moment, and in what ways do their works serve you as a source of inspiration?
NF: I am currently finding myself inspired by KAWS. I see his artistic journey as a reminder to GO BIG – something I am so excited to be incorporating in my solo show at MIXD Gallery this July!
Special thank you to Natalia for sharing her practice with us! You can learn even more about her HERE.
Article Credits
Artwork by Natalia Franco of Goop World; Words by Nicole Boddington.