Many artists claim to have led troubled lives. But Hackney based painter Natascha Germane has had an exceptionally traumatic one. Katy Barnato talks to her about using art as therapy.
Looking at Natascha Germane’s exhibition in the basement Hackney gallery, you would be forgiven for thinking she was the latest up-and-coming artist to be lionised by trendy Shoreditch types.
But look more closely, and you’ll see that the colourful, abstract landscapes are not for sale. In fact the scenes of sunsets, night skies and waterfalls are displayed purely to provide inspiration for those affected by serious mental health problems.
The 36-year-old artist works with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) based at the Et Cetera gallery off Mare Street. The PRA provides a range of creative activities for members who are recovering from illnesses such as schizophrenia and severe depression.
As well as exhibiting her art, Natascha is working with these members, encouraging them to take part in weekly art classes and use art as a way to help them cope with their illnesses.
“I like to teach. You feel the change in a class and it’s a great feeling,” says Natascha.
Simon Behrman, the services co-ordinator at the PRA, says having an expert at the centre has been invaluable in encouraging the members to get involved with the project.
“Having Natascha here is an inspiration,” he says. “We really appreciate her being here helping us.”
Gary White, who suffers from psychosis, has been attending the PRA for the last 16 years. “It has improved my confidence and it keeps me stimulated,” he says. I have come back down to earth over the last few years, and doing the art has helped.”
Natascha’s art floods throughout the building, lighting up the walls with contrasting colours and scenes. The pictures in each room are chosen carefully by their use of colour. Soothing blues and greens are used in the counselling rooms to create a calming atmosphere for members, while more vibrant colours are used in the staff room to inspire creativity and enthusiasm.
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I like to feel that both the staff and the members are excited about my paintings,” Natascha enthuses.
“It gives me the feeling that people have actually got the message and understand what I am trying to do.” She chose to share her passion with people battling with mental health problems because she feels that art has helped her through difficult patches in her own life.
“I paint in order to cope with life,” says Natascha. “I understand the state of mind where you don’t have the strength to carry on with life.”
As a six-year-old child, Natascha was forced to move to Iran at the height of the Iraq-Iran war, after her parents divorced. “I saw things no little girl should see,” she says.
When Natascha returned to live in Germany four years later, she suffered racial abuse and became involved in gang violence. She also became increasingly dislocated from her family.
“I went off by myself at an early age. I worked from age 14 and left home at 16. I never took money or any support. I always tried to do everything by myself.”
The death of a close friend made Natascha re-evaluate her life. She returned to art, and entered the Hamburg Technical School to study graphic design. She was taught by German artist, Lars Wolf, but they parted company after a year, as Natascha found his art relentlessly depressing
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“Lars was a big mess,” says Natascha, “He killed his wife and child through drink-driving and that influenced his art. But I realised that I would rather my painting was hopeful, rather than just miserable.”
Natascha’s university studies were cut short after a car accident left her unable to work to pay her course fees. But she continued to exhibit her work throughout Hamburg, and says she did not mind having to leave.
“My teacher always used to say that university is for people who don’t know what they want,” she says. “I do.”
Natascha, who also works as a personal fitness instructor and has a black belt in kick-boxing, adds: “It’s another outlet for my pent-up aggression.”
Natascha Germane is exhibiting at the Et Cetera Gallery, 1a Darnely Road, South Hackney from February 28 to March 29.
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