Art Matters

In honour of the book launch for Unveiled by Vincent Fantauzzo at the Fantauzzo Gallery in Melbourne, we asked Natalie Begg, artist, designer and founder of  
nataliebgg.com, to reflect on the importance and meaning of art in her life.

As a teenager, I first recognised art's quiet power through the simple act of handwriting. Friends asked me to pen their love letters, believing my fluid script conveyed deeper
sentiment than mere words. Over time, others took notice, often asking, ‘Are you an artist?’ That question stayed with me. I realised art extends beyond canvas and sculpture; it permeates every gesture, stroke and expression that connects with the human spirit, fostering a sense of connection beyond the tangible.

Art, in its myriad forms, reflects our innermost thoughts and feelings. Mirka Mora, a beloved Melbourne artist, described losing all track of time while creating, entering a state of flow where her mind and hands worked as one. The origin and process of art are powerful, shaping thoughts and feelings through the artist. If you’ve ever heard someone dismiss an artwork with ‘I could have done that’, know that that is simply untrue. Each piece is unique, born from a distinct creative journey.

What I love most about art is its ability to evoke a deeply personal response. A piece can
move us, challenge us or inspire us in ways that are unique to each individual. There’s no
right or wrong in how we feel or what we take away from an artwork.

Salvador Dalí, with his surreal masterpieces, delved into the subconscious, bringing forth
images that challenge our perception of reality. His works, influenced by psychoanalytic
theories, particularly those of Sigmund Freud, explore the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind. Freud, himself, after meeting Dalí, remarked, ‘In classic paintings, I look for the unconscious; in your paintings, I look for the conscious’. This highlights art’s unique ability to bridge the seen and unseen, the known and mysterious.

Beyond intellectual and emotional resonance, art is crucial for mental well-being. Engaging with art, whether through creation, appreciation or therapeutic processes, reduces stress, enhances cognitive function and fosters community. In challenging times, artists illuminate paths forward, sharing stories that comfort, challenge and inspire.

This power was recently highlighted for me at the Fantauzzo Gallery opening, where Vincent Fantauzzo unveiled his latest works. Vincent’s own story is a testament to art's transformative power. He describes finding refuge from the streets in the meditative headspace his art provided. ‘My cluttered mind was somehow able to make more sense of the world when I had a pencil in my hand’, he explains. His first painting was of Albert Einstein, whose quote ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’ were deeply personal. ‘I have imagination’, he says. ‘I might not be smart, but I can think as big as anyone else in the world, and that's got to count for something.’ Larry Kestelman introduced his long-time friend on the night and spoke passionately about supporting artists. The impact of an artist’s work stirs emotion, provokes thought and forges deep connections. Fantauzzo's book, Unveiled, speaks to the dreamer in all of us. His art, like all art, is a powerful extension of the artist's soul – a tangible expression of their emotions, experiences and unique perspective.

From my own experience, growing up in a household brimming with women who were
effortlessly creative gave me a deep appreciation for the art in everyday life. Whether it was the meticulous arrangement of a bouquet of flowers, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece or finding inspiration in the natural world that surrounded our home, their creative spirit infused every aspect of our lives. They were a vibrant group of happy, independent souls who showed me that art wasn't just something you made, but a way of living, of finding joy and beauty in the ordinary. It was an upbringing that nurtured my own artistic spirit and taught me the power of creative expression.

For over two decades, I've poured my heart into hand-painting the garments in my artisanal collections. Each piece becomes a canvas, imbued with a unique essence that speaks to the intimate connection between artist and wearer. Brushstrokes narrate stories and colours breathe life into form, mirroring the vibrant and ever-changing tapestry of womanhood. This echoes modernist painter Georgia O'Keeffe's exploration of the natural world, where sensual forms and delicate textures intertwine – a sensibility that deeply resonates with my own artistic spirit. Art transcends mere decoration: it moves, inspires and transforms. Years ago, a chance encounter with Pro Hart ignited a spark in me that would illuminate my own artistic path. His generous gift of a sketch of one of his iconic dragonflies (a simple gesture that resonated deeply) gave me a newfound inspiration, and I began sketching my first collection.

Vincent van Gogh’s words, ‘What is done in love is done well’, aligns deeply with my own
artistic philosophy. Love fuels the creative fire, infusing each brushstroke with passion and purpose. It’s in those moments of heartfelt expression that we transcend the ordinary and tap into the transformative power of art. Whether I’m painting a silk scarf or crafting an intimate lingerie set, with love as my guide, beauty and meaning find expression in each piece.

In a world that often prioritises the tangible and quantifiable, art reminds us of the more
intangible threads weaving our shared human experience. Through art, we find meaning,
connection and ourselves.

Unveiled by Vincent Fantauzzo is now available in all good bookstores. To explore
hand-painted silk garments at Natalie Begg, visit the website or connect with us at
nataliebegg.com/pages/contact-us.