Meet the Artist . . .Feathersmith : Natalie Mitchell

Natalie Mitchell has been creating art since she was very young.  She was awarded many accolades as a high school student, and her natural talent for color and composition earned her a scholarship to the Atlanta College of Art next to the High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.  She has continued her pursuit of the arts through many careers; ranging from graphic artist, to 3-D animator, to becoming the manager of a Local Origination Cable Channel in Birmingham before taking the leap of faith into self-proprietorship.  She and her family currently travel full time with their business, Wild Sage.

Natalie has become a distinguished artist in the field of Feathersmithing, the art of creating beautiful artwork with feathers.  The designs she creates represent the balance of energies that bring harmony to the Earth and its inhabitants. Using only natural colored feathers and other organic materials, she makes patterns that are often described as kaleidoscope-like, reflecting perfect balance and symmetry.   The symbology of animals are another favorite motif; along with dance fans, dreamcatchers, suncatchers, and other feathersmithed items.

Below are a selection of previous feather art and a photo of Natalie at work.  You can select an original or get prints of her artwork by coming by our booth at one of the many events we attend throughout the year. Please see SCHEDULE for a listing of upcoming events.  Custom pieces may also be requested by email or phone.

      

 

The Jones Museum Project : Moundville, Alabama

Natalie was recently honored with a commission to make a feather blanket for the Jones Archaeological Museum in Moundville, Alabama, a public park managed by the University of Alabama and dedicated to the ancient Mississippian mound cultures.  When the museum was scheduled for a full renovation in 2008, they requested that Natalie design and execute a replica of a feather blanket cloak for the newly designed exhibit.   Upon completing the blanket, it was placed on permanent exhibit in the palanquins segment of the museum's central portion.  The full-scale diarama and inclusive display of artifacts found within the mounds are a wonderful tribute to the indigenous peoples of the Southestern United Sates.  The museum and research center are a great way for people to learn about and truly appreciate the history and living culture of the Mound Builders.  The Jones Museum dedicated the exhibit in May 2010 and is open for public viewing 7 days per week.  Further commission pieces are in the works and will be announced when the projects are completed.

                      

 

Below are a few more examples of feathersmith art made by Natalie Mitchell: