Natalie Jackson
Digital Photography
Steppin' On
Bye Bye Blackbird
Biography
I grew up with music and art all around. I took up photography at an early age and formally studied it in Atlanta, Georgia. I specialized in portraits, which I later combined with my love for jazz, shooting CD covers, concerts, and posters for musicians. A notable photo shoot was Freddy Cole's 70th birthday celebration, which was published in Atlanta Magazine. While in Atlanta, other opportunities arose such as becoming staff photographer for GN Magazine and shooting major projects such as The Lost Boys of Sudan, a project and photo exhibit sponsored by Jane Fonda, Art Aids Africa. My photographs were also a featured aspect of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, based out of New York, which provides scholarships to inner city youth. And I exhibited in the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. I am a trained medical photographer and worked for Soderstrom Skin Institute for more than a decade photographing Plastic Surgery Before and Afters. My work is featured on the Soderstrom Skin Institute website and on billboards throughout the central Illinois region. I won ArtPop Street Gallery 2019 and Peoria SkyArt 2021. Member of the Illinois Art League and the Peoria Camera Club. Photographer and Board Member of the Central Illinois Jazz Society. I also sit on the Board of Directors at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, which is a frequently visited, highly active community arts center. My photography studio and gallery are also located there.
Artist Statement
Truth, Beauty, and Pride are constant themes in my work. The subjects are empowered women who are searching for truth, surviving, conquering, or celebrating. I use photo collage and photography in these figures to depict strength. One stresses reflections on life and constantly moving forward. The other is about improvisation in life and navigating through unforeseen roadblocks.
