My name is Natalie and I'm about to start my Masters in Art History & Museum Studies at Case Western in Cleveland. I've been pretty passionate about art history for about 7 years and nothing gives me more joy than sharing my love for it. However, so many people have told me that art intimidates them, that they "just don't get it" and they don't feel like they can understand it! I'm here to tell you that that sort of thinking is totally untrue! The problem is accessibility: up until very recently, so many art museums and institutions have presented an air of stuffiness, of overly academic and hard-to-understand language, and it's given many people the wrong impression that art is hard to understand and only for those with the correct education.
Which is just completely untrue and very unfortunate. I believe that the art world and the field of art history can appeal to absolutely anyone if presented in the right way: that is, open, easily accessible and understandable, in a friendly, fun, and interesting manner. There are tons of art blogs out there, but not too many (that I've found) that attempt to present art in a way that ANYONE can enjoy. So that's my goal!
Besides art history, my other passions in life include pop culture: I love comics, Marvel superheroes in particular, film, literature, television, the occasional video game...I adore science-fiction and fantasy, and I even create costumes to be worn to fan conventions (cosplay). I balance my geeky interests with an enthusiasm for fashion and make-up, as well as traveling, photography, interior design, and the outdoors. I also have a Starbucks addiction.
Salon Nouveau is an attempt to highlight the fun, fascinating aspects of art history while avoiding the exclusionary, stuffy academic image that often scares off newcomers. Presenting art history topics in the context of pop culture, with some fashion thrown in, I hope to share my love of art history in a way that appeals to everyone, no matter experience level. Art history definitely does not have to be boring! And honestly, it shouldn't be :)
