BEHIND THE BRUSH

Natalie Wacker is a Honolulu-based fine artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture (ceramic, wood & metal), and photography. Raised between Seoul and Hawai‘i, Natalie draws deep inspiration from the natural world—particularly the fluidity of water, the shifting forms of clouds, and the quiet yet powerful presence of island landscapes. Her work captures the beauty in fleeting moments, using layered color and texture to evoke emotion, motion, and memory.

As the youngest of four in a large blended family, Natalie’s upbringing nurtured a strong sense of observation and sensitivity, which she channels into her art. Her pieces often explore the interplay between light and form, aiming to reflect the quiet wonder found in everyday scenes.

She has been acknowledged with over a dozen Scholastic Art awards, and her work has been featured in the Hawaii State Art Museum on three occasions. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art & Design from the University of Michigan and plans to pursue an MFA to further develop her creative voice.

THE ARTIST STATEMENT

Aloha, my name is Natalie Wacker, and I’m a Honolulu- and Ann Arbor-based artist working across sculpture, painting, and photography. I began creating art at the start of high school and have been dedicated ever since to expanding my practice and learning from every opportunity. I recently graduated from the University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design, where I focused on Art & Design and had the privilege of working alongside talented, respected artists—including my mentor, John Koga.

Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of mediums—from acrylics, watercolor, and pastels to more recent work in ceramics, metal and wood sculpture, and large-scale oil paintings. My current work draws heavy inspiration from artists like Van Gogh and is deeply influenced by my environment and experiences growing up in Hawai‘i. Water, skies, and motion often find their way into my pieces, but just as often, my work is driven by personal reflections—my ambitions, fears, memories, and curiosities.

There isn’t a single theme that defines everything I make, but I’m often guided by a simple phrase: Do Good Things. It’s become a personal motto, both in life and in art. Whether or not it’s immediately visible in my work, I hope to create pieces that resonate with others and encourage reflection, emotion, or inspiration—whatever feels meaningful to the viewer.

I'm also proud to be involved in community projects like the Chil’lit initiative and the COVID-19 Women-Owned Business Research Project, which reflect values I care deeply about. I plan to donate a portion of my revenue to causes tied to these initiatives, and I always encourage others to explore the work and research that’s being done in these spaces.

Awards & Recognitions

  • “Emergence”, a black and white photograph of an aboriginal woman in the Australian outback.

    • “Fierce” is a photograph of a mother and baby monkey in Gibraltar (2021).

    • “Trust” is a photograph of an indigenous chid with a wild parrot (2021).

    • “Identity” is a sculpture created with ceramics and small glass shards. (2021)

    • “Señor P” is a high quality photograph of a parrot in the amazon

    • “

    • “Art Portfolio” is a collection of five works themed: Indigenous people & humanity (2021)

    • “Isolated: A Self Portrait” is an acrylic painting created during quarantine.

    • “Glass Ceiling” is a gender themed acrylic painting created on plexiglass.

    • “Squatting Human” large scale ceramic work about 2.5 ft tall.

    • “Struggle” is a glass and ceramics hand built sculpture of a handcuffed arm breaching out of the ground. (2020)

    • “Conversation” is a glass and ceramics series, hand built, and wheel thrown clay tea set including 3 pieces.

    • “SheWarrior” is a cultural photograph of a female Waorani Warrior in the Amazon (2020)

    • “The Watcher” is a nature photograph of an owl in the Australian outback.

    • Four photographs, two ceramic sculpture selected for hanging (2019,2020, 2021)

    • Friends of HISAM (Hawaii State Art Museum)

  • An art scholarship from my Highschool art department to further my interest and ability in art. Granted by the Henry Clark Family.

  • The university of Michigan hosts a STAMPS gallery. There is a yearly undergraduate exhibition that anyone can submit artwork to. I was recognized for the tetrahedron hand.

  • In October of 2023, Natalie was one of four local artist exhibited and celebrated at the American Savings Bank Metropole building. The gallery is located on the first floor of the 300 S Beretania location. Lo’i is a gallery made to uplift and promote Hawaiian Artists from our own community. 20% of the proceeds from pieces sold at this event is being put towards a Fire Relief Donation Fund for Maui.

This website is a space for me to showcase my work, discuss commissions, sell and distribute art and more. Please feel free to message me about any questions, comments, ideas etc. If you want to get involved with any of the listed initiatives, please don’t hesitate to contact me as well. My personal work email is listed as 808nwacker@gmail.com.

Images and Work by Natalie Wacker

FAQs

  • To commission a piece, or inquire about an existing piece on this website, please contact the artist at the following email: 808nwacker@gmail.com

    You can expect a response via email within 2-4 business days.

  • Payment methods right now are semi-limited. As we attempt to move forward and create a relationship with a more secure payment platform - more information will come. The options available now are as follows: Checks, Cash, Venmo, Squarespace.

  • Shipping is primarily done through known and reliable postal services such as UPS or USPS. The cost of shipping is passed through to the customer, and varies based on location. If you are located in South Carolina, Michigan, or Oahu (HI), pieces can be personally delivered, via Natalie herself, and packaged at a much cheaper price.

    Shipping and delivery processes are time consuming, and we ask for flexibility/advance notice on timelines - due to the extensive drying and packing process.

  • HAWAII

    Honolulu Based

    Inquire for more info

  • SOUTH CAROLINA

    Bluffton Based

    Inquire for more Info

  • MICHIGAN

    Ann Arbor Based

    Inquire for more info

  • USA

    Shipping Options Available

    Inquire for more info