In 2011 Natalie gleaned an idea for the story of The Gallery whilst chatting with her choreographer friend. Later she created the outline, set in a theatre, curtains open , the stage is black apart from 12 pieces of artwork suspended across the stage in a row, the first the most brightly lit, of a lady bathing on a rooftop, lights crackle, all goes black , a thud, a light flickers abd we see that the lady has fallen from her painting..
Over the next five years Natalie worked on the narrative and music bringing pieces she’d already written together with new compositions. Eventually having 12 stacks of papers lined up along the wall on the floor of her studio. Individual manuscripts for the themes of each painting and on top her description of each painting. It was at this point in the project that serendipitously she met the American artist Todd Alexander. He was intrigued by the music and story and asked if she might like him to paint the paintings. Over the next 18 months they worked together as Natalie described the paintings and Alexander painted.
Each painting is inspired by Natalie’s life and memories.
On the 26th of October 2018 the premier of The Gallery took place. Natalie’s oboe improvisations on themes from this work opened, followed by her vocal musical narrative from the piano. The Gallery children gathered for this performance. The paintings on display.
Natalie’s vocal soundtrack was then recorded to accompany the widely requested book of the script and the paintings. The book sold out and a second edition is upcoming.
Natalie soon realised that The Gallery project had only just begun, each of the 12 paintings seemed to want a background story and narrative along with their theme and additional music.
The first three paintings are complete and are performed together as THE GALLERY: Opening.
Natalie premiered this in Loughborough, England along with a London performance in August 2024.
The paintings were each projected behind Natalie as she performed.
Most of the other paintings narratives and music are now complete with a few close. The journey of The Gallery is exciting as it captivates audiences worldwide.
Introducing Todd Alexander
Born into a family of artists Todd Alexander experimented with watercolour and oil mediums as well as hand thrown pottery. He pursued scientific illustration at the University of Georgia, working afterwards to pronounce anatomically driven creations for the medical industry. Over the past two decades Todd’s creativity has evolved into exploring alternative ways to express himself and his subjects. His works have been displayed in private and public collections nationally and internationally.
Creating The Gallery
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My field trip to Susan Hayword’s grave site
Working on children’s costumes
