Nattie Concepts

Lovely Lisbon & Moonlit Athens - Louisiana

2012-01-24T21:48:00.000-06:00

Pine Tree farms are common in these parts as I travelled from Vienna to Lisbon, Louisiana - had to stop to say hello...

Lisbon was the second stop on my whirlwind World Tour earlier this month which also brought me to Athens. Determination can be a strong motivator and I was ready to gallivant up to the Great Lands of Northwest Louisiana to see what inspiration they would bring.

As usual, my favorite part of the journey was getting there.

There was an acute loveliness on this lonely road to Lisbon.

I reached Lisbon in the late afternoon, having spent most of my time on the side of the road taking pictures of things like my own shadow and trees with no leaves..

I sat here in the parking lot of the Great American Lisbon Post Office for quite a while fiddling with my camera which decided to jam on me and then realized that my digital point and shoot was on its last battery leg because genius here decided to plug in her ipod rather than charge backup batteries.....

But I stayed in Lisbon long enough to discover the Methodist Church and the incredibly cool cemetary next to it.

I left Lisbon with falling light and dubious cameras and raced to get to Athens before sunset.

I sorta made it.

I didn't have much time, and camera issues proved difficult with no flash, but I dutifully captured various religious and civic centers.

Athens was the town, or village, rather, that I had planned to spend the most time in. But things don't always work out as planned, sometimes they work out even better. The light was quickly falling and I had almost a 2 hour drive upon me to Nachitoches, where I was meeting a friend. I was leaving Athens a little disappointed for not having seen much of it when I came across this Nativity scene (it was just past New Years) and Church against a purple-y sky.

I thought it quite peaceful and pretty, with the moon shining from behind.

Happy to have stumbled upon such a tranquil scene, I left Athens in a better mindset for my moonlit and woodsy drive to Nachitoches, when unbeknownst to me...I found myself in - (Mt) Lebanon!

Its a small world, after all...

(p.s. headlights make a great light source when you find yourself out of a flash...)

all content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Just Call Me Tina from Vienna...Louisiana

2012-01-11T13:11:00.010-06:00

Hallo from Vienna! Vienna, Louisiana, that is. It's been a busy couple of months and it's GREAT to get back out on the road again.

First - again a BIG danke schoen to all those who supported and came out to the World Tour show at Buffas in December. 'Twas a fun night and I really appreciate all the support from 'around the world'! I billed it as ' works in progress ', which it still is but the night gave me an excellent framework that I can build from.

My first road trip of 2012, just after New Years, took me to many different locations on a whirlwind trip. The first stop was Vienna, located just north of Ruston. I'm sure I sound like a broken record when i say this but Vienna was button-cute. I was so charmed by it, and wished my stay could have been longer. After all:

Who could resist with a Town Hall like this?

These BC (button cute) towns are all over the place, I know, but I have gotten so accustomed to driving to a town only to find that there's not much there but a sign on the road, if even that. Traveling through Northwest Louisiana though, these BC towns are prevalent. The history of the settlers from Georgia, Alabama, and beyond is interesting and more tales will unfold as I delve more into the subject matter during World Tour Post-Production.

But for now, the only tale I have to tell is one of Tina. Tina from Vienna. It's not much of a story actually. More of a musing. So...I was photographing this BC church..

while both cursing and enjoying the strong winter light shadows...

when a car pulled up and the passenger asked if I was "Tina". I said no but evidently I resembled Tina who grew up near Vienna. Okay, that's actually the end of the boring story, but as usual, I found it fascinating. I'm always amazed at how often I look like somebody....usually a sister..cousin..friend...acquaintance...girl-I-went-to-school-with...friend of a -girl-I-went-to-school-with...friend of a relatives-sisters-cousins-best friends friend...or someone like that.

I enjoy having 600,000 doppelgangers out there, and my Tina from Vienna experienced has recalled some past doppelganger moments and inspired my latest completely meaningless just-for-fun silly ditty to start the New Year off right.

Also, it's my first-ever-ditty-written-on-my-ukelele:

Tina from Vienna

Enjoy.

i love these youtube stills - they sure can pick 'em!

Tina from Vienna

I'm Tina from Vienna

I'm your friend from New York.

I'm your cousin's best friends' girlfriend,

I'm Mindy without Mork.

Sometimes they call me Sandra.

I dont know how I feel about that.

Been mistaken for someone else -

an actress, but never myself.

Standing on the street,

I was asked - Is it You?

As far as I know, yes I am,

but still I checked my shoes.

He pressed on - Are you Her?

Are you working here in town?

I thought to myself - why wouldn't i be?

Man my act must get around!

I thought maybe he'd seen my show,

that he listens to my tales.

Nah. That wasnt it -

He thought I was Kate Beckinsale.

I'm Tina from Vienna..

....

I'm somone you met long ago

at a cafe in Metairie - NO.

I'm the one you were supposed to meet

til you saw me - Whoops! No! Gotta Go!

I'm Tina from Vienna...

...

But I don't know at Tina from Vienna.

I've got some friends in New York.

I don't know my cousin's best friend

I'm not Mindy - but I do love Mork...

Next Up:

Lisbon LA

Athens LA

all content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Happy Holidaze!

2011-12-23T11:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidaze from me and all my 'nattie concepts'!

Natasha, Miss Delta Blue, Miss Purple Lele, Betty the Bullhorn, & (reluctantly) my uncooperative cat, Rhoda.

It's that time of year again and this time me and all my nattie concepts decided to don our Santa hats. Well, everybody except my cat, Rhoda. She was mortified at the thought of being seen in public in full holiday regalia...

She begged me not to make her do it..

But when I convinced her that she really did look cute, and that I would not show her face to any other feline, canine, or critter, she, ever so reluctantly....

...agreed.

With the stipulation, of course, that she would not have to face the humiliation of appearing at the actual photo shoot, so once again, Rhoda appears in a frame.

Have a Peaceful and Merry Christmas!!!
The World Tour resumes in the New Year!!

Natasha

The State of my World (Tour) - Performance/Exhibit Dec. 7th

2011-12-01T10:02:00.000-06:00

From start to 2/3rds finished, the World Tour photographs are piling up and the song ideas are a' churning...

The state of my World Tour is well, what is has been from the get-go, its a works in progress. Originally planned for April, it began in July. I thought I would be finished with the Louisiana portion by October, instead I'll probably finish in December/January.

All along the way I've been asked what I was going to do with it, what was my end result. The only definitive answer I could give is that being in the midst of the journey, I wasn't, am still not, sure of what the final outcome will be. But I knew along the way I'd chronicle my interchangeably international journey in a music/photo performance piece, a la Nattie at the DMV.

In keeping with that spirit, I will be presenting a short performance of the tour complete with ditties that are somewhat witty, and photography that is relatively sharp.. If you are in the New Orleans area next Wednesday, December 7th, come check out The State of My World (Tour) at Buffas Bar & Restaurant. Its a works-in-progress as I hope to develop a show for more international travel in the future. I'll sing a few ditties about my creative journey and experiences with Transylvania Bats and Waterloo watering holes. Sorta. In addition to the performance I will have a photo exhibit on the walls featuring my (experimental) liquid emulsion prints.

I've enjoyed playing around with different photographic formats and techniques during the World Tour, using 35mm, Holga, digital point and shoot and even camera phones to capture the ever changing landscape in the state of my world. It's nice to know that through all of the wide variety of photographic apparatuses we have available to us these days to capture a diverse and evolving world, the true essence of photography: capturing, recording, and controlling light, remains a constant.

Musically, well, the travels have provided me with a few tunes. The ditties remain the same, but I am pleased to report I finally put a B minor into one of my songs, haha.

So I hope to see you December 7th as I celebrate the World (so far), the Journey (so far) , and my B minor.

Also, you can check out lots of photographic works this month as December brings with it PhotoNOLA, a celebration of photography in New Orleans. Check their website to see a long list of photographic happenings all over town.

The State of My World (Tour)

Buffas Bar - Backroom

1001 Esplanade NOLA (enter on Burgundy Street)

December 7th, 2011

8pm (precisely)

NEXT UP:

Travels from the North

(stay tuned, the Tour aint done yet..)

all content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Tiggers Never Get Lost - in Copenhagen, Louisiana

2011-11-15T20:01:00.000-06:00

Tis True. A Tigger never gets lost.

But I do.

It was bound to happen. After all, I am an admitted hypocrite. Just call me "Rabbit". I knock technological advances all the time. I've written enough songs about it to produce an entire show. Yet when I go on my World Tour adventures I am armed with only Google Map directions and my hotshot phone. Yes, the Once-Upon-A-Time Wanna-Be Geographer doesn't even bring a map with her...It never dawned on me that I might want a broader view of the landscape, but then again, isn't that what this whole World Tour shenanigan is about?

But first - Copenhagen.

When I think of the Copenhagen countryside, I am going to think of tall trees and log cabins. How appropo..

I will also think of these Horse Bff's I encountered on my drive:

I should have suspected something was amiss in Copenhagen Proper, when the signs just didn't add up. Clearly, this shoe shop was closed. And it was Saturday.

It took me awhile, driving through the winding wooded roads to realize that I didn't know where in the heck I was, that I had missed the signs for the roads I was supposed to turn on. Since I didn't realize I was lost, I had no problem stopping off now and then for a photo shoot in the lovely forest.

Soon after the forest shoot was when I realized - 'Oh. I'm not supposed to be here anymore'. Woops. GPS and fancy phones work GREAT when you have a car charger or at least keep your phone charged. And when you are capable of reading a map the size your thumb. (okay, palm..)

After a while of driving and guessing where I need to be, all the roads started to look the same, and I began to feel like I was in some sort of Truman Show type of reality.

Open Road...Curve...Woods...

Open Road...Curve and Woods...(again)

Open Road..Curve..and Woods...(again..)

Then finally --- I found my way out of the Forest. I was so happy to see this sign:

And I knew which way I was headed - South. So off I went.. Carefree, happy, and at peace with the lovely images I had captured in and near Copenhagen, Louisiana. Getting off track actually helped me to stay on my path. So I was content.

And then. The unthinkable happened. I hit a squirrel. I maimed it I think. It happened so fast yet so clearly in my mind. I saw it flip and scamper off...WWTD? (What Would Tigger Do?) Well, I'm not Tigger, so instead of bouncing back to the injured Squirrel, I kept driving. With my hand over my mouth, shocked at what I had done.

I didn't want to write about The Squirrel. I didn't want to admit it is part of my journey. But it is. I can accept that. And hold out on the hope that 'yeah, maybe I made that Squirrel even stronger!'...sigh...

In conclusion, my trip to Copenhagen was beautiful, but also yielded many adventures. I got lost like Rabbit, bounced back like Tigger, and then I maimed Twiggy.

I think a nice jar of honey would be good right about now.

All content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Facebook Twitter

Ay Carumba! Viva Italia! - in Colombia, Cuba, and Sicily Island, Louisiana

2011-11-08T12:21:00.002-06:00

It's November and the color palette of my World Tour has changed. The red, yellow, orange, and fading green leaves provided a nice visual track to my spicy destinations of Sicily (Island), Cuba, and Columbia, Louisiana.
My first stop was Sicily Island. The island in the middle of the state.

I purposely decided I was NOT going to photograph churches and leave the spiritual searching at home for a while. So instead, I focused on true Italian traits, like shopping and fashion:

Island Stylin' Salon

But then again, I do like happening upon visual evidence of small town philosophies, so I was pleasantly surprised when I developed the film and discovered the flair over the Trustworthy Hardware..

Yes, I have a thing for flair, it always seems a bit 'divine' to me. Yet another validation of my World Tour journey. One reason I had for starting this thing was to get out and shoot, unlock some of that creativity....It appears I'm on the right path..

Upon leaving Sicily Island, I passed through Turkey Creek on my way to Columbia.

And then at last, I reached Columbia.

Honestly, I hardly spent any time there, though it did look like a darling town. It was another place that just 'happened' to be on my route. But I sure was sad that I arrived too late for the rodeo....

From Columbia, I headed north towards Cuba.

In truth, I'm not sure if I ever made it to Cuba or not. By the Google Map directions, I did. But I never saw any sign. These little villages can be hard to pinpoint. (as is evident by my journey through Bristol) As I was driving around looking for signs of Cuba, I spotted a marker on the South side of the highway. Hoping it might have something to do with Cuba, I turned around to get a better look, and then - Ay Carumba!

Yes, more Indian Mounds...with a little flair....

The mounds, from the Coles Creek Culture, added a lil piquant to my journey. Only 698 more to go! (Okay, that will be another tour...) Not only do they give me something to research and learn about, they also make me realize how large, and how small, our world really is.

Up Next:

Adventures in Copenhagen

all content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Tweet It! Share It! Digg It!

Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand - in Hamburg, Louisiana

2011-10-18T23:51:00.001-05:00

Well, not really. I don't really need to hold or take your hand in Hamburg, but I thought it was a funny title. And its the only German I know.
True to my word, I had a lil Lennon on the iPod, but I quickly changed it when I realized what's in Hamburg.

It's not the Beatles or the Beetles (read: boll weevils)

It's cotton.

And lots of it.

So that meant it was time to listen to Merle Haggard. Well, sort of. I switched to Gram Parsons who does my fave version of Merle's "California Cottonfields". (In my twisted mind, it makes sense to hear Gram Parsons' version as I drove through Louisiana's cotton fields, because he is buried here. Not in Hamburg. In Metairie. But I waaayyy digress...)

Anyhoo, after leaving Waterloo, I headed on and towards New Roads, and new surroundings, albeit very carefully...

And lo and behold - I arrived in Cotton Country. Avoyelles Parish.

I'd like to return next time before the cotton is harvested. But still, the scenery made for some nice driving and photo shooting...

One thing I enjoy about this World Tour is the photographic comfort and inspiration. I'm keeping it real with my beloved 35mm and (mostly) black and white film. But just as I discover new things to think about, like ancient mound builders or the creation and production of cotton, I also am drawn to playing around with different photographic processes.

Hamburg Handtint

Hamburg, tiny hamlet that it is,

houses a cotton gin:

a store that I guess I didnt photograph;

this computer repair shop:

and a horse.

Like all the international small towns I've acquainted myself with, this one is just lovely,

and such a nice drive.

I'm looking forward to more.

All content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Facebook *** Twitter

Sie Liebt Dich, Hamburg!

Truth or False? - Waterloo, Louisiana

2011-10-10T22:44:00.000-05:00

Waterloo/Water Tower

The first World Tour road trip of the Fall led me to Waterloo, Louisiana. I haven't been out that way before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I read up a little bit on the internet, so I knew it was situated between the Mighty Mississippi and False River. I've started tailoring my iPod to tunes that I feel are related to my destinations. So, for this trip, I had Sarah Quintana, a New Orleanian with a flair for French, blaring through the winding roads. I passed sugar cane fields, a familiar site to me, living in South Louisiana. Well, I'm accustomed to them only because I've taken many a trip south of New Orleans where sugar cane is rampant.

When I finally reached Waterloo, I knew instantly why things felt so familiar to me, as this was the first 'civilization' that I saw:

Waterloo Daiquiris..and Gas Station

Yup. A Daiquiri shop attached to a gas station:

Not only that, the gas station/daiquiri shop is located on St. Claude. Yes, right at home I felt..

Waterloo is a beautiful, peaceful place and right away, it lets you know what matters:

The natural landscape is quite pleasing to the eye.

As I started driving down the wooded Hwy 413 en route to my next destination, a cabin off the side of the road caught my attention.

I'm often drawn to rustic scenes such as this one, but on this day the scenery, coupled with the pretty fall light, reminded me of my first exposure to the world of photography. In 1996, I was working as a PA on the movie "Eve's Bayou". On that flick and others, I was always the one sent to photograph the changing light for the cinematographer. Though I had never expressed my secret interest in photography, I was thrilled to have these assignments. It was "Eve's Bayou" though, filmed in beautiful October light, that made the realm of photography click with me. (Yes, that pun is intended...)

I still have the polaroids, (yes - polaroids), from the assignment that was the 'one' for me - the one where I first became acquainted with the idea that in photography, nothing is permanent and everything is relative.

Waterloo Woods

I was pondering the correlation between photography and the Buddhist concept of impermanence when..of course..I came across this sign:

I had just wanted to go to Waterloo and discover & shoot the Daiquiri Shop Gas Station and maybe make some witty comment about Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington, but - no. Divine inspiration keeps following me on this trip and now I'm pondering Truth as I drive through False River..

False River

..and my iPod is tuned to John Lennon.

Next Up:

Hamburg LA

All content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Nattie in Nouvelle Orleans; Nueva Orleans; New Orleans, Louisiana

2011-09-28T02:21:00.001-05:00

Two months into my World Tour and already it has taken an unexpected shape of its own. Primarily a photographic road trip, I also want to incorporate the music side of my artwork - my one woman band called Nattie. (For the newbies, the band "Nattie" consists of myself (Natasha), my guitar (Miss Delta Blue) and the witties ditties we create - I simply use "Nattie" as a stage or band name ) I figured I would play an occasional open mic in cities near my tour route, as neither Transylvania nor Liverpool, Louisiana has an open mic to my knowledge....(Though I might have had some luck in (the) Vatican...who knows...)

Tilben's Lounge

That plan hasn't happened, as I've been more into being contemplative with a camera than witty with a guitar during my road trips.
However, I did appropriately kick off the music portion of the World Tour in July at the Old Point Bar in Algiers, Louisiana after completing the first of my many World Tour photographic treks.

Musically, I've toured the world - without ever leaving the city of Nouvelle Orleans. The plethora of open mics this city offers had me playing music almost every night. I've since settled into three open mics, when tour and time allow, that I really enjoy and seem best suited for my style. These evenings are a great way to sharpen skills, share with others, and connect with new faces. Since this blog is dedicated to the ditties, I thought I'd dust off the ol' Holga for some imperfect and old-timey NOLA shots...

Buffas, on the edge of the French Quarter, okay - on the Marigny side of Esplanade, I just wanted to use the word "French". I was pleased to be the Inaugural Performer for their first open mic night! It has since become one of my favorites. Wednesdays at 8pm

Parasols in the Irish Channel

Mondays at 8

and the Fair Grinds Coffeehouse in Faubourg St. John

2nd Thursdays @ 7

I am currently in the process of putting together a show of the International Louisiana towns I've traveled to, featuring my songs, stories, and photographs. In December, Buffas will host, as part of PhotoNOLA, the first of what I hope is many World Tour performance pieces. More info to come, but see details on the Buffas show here.

So yes, the World Tour has taken its own form. I've had several people ask me, since I haven't had a blog post in recent weeks, if the tour is over. My response? No, the World Tour is not over - far from it. It's only just beginning...

See ya around the world!

- Natasha

On Tour in the French Quarter -
Royal Street Aug 2011
photo M. Byrne

all content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

** A shout out to all the awesome people I have met along my open mic journey including (but not limited to...) - DR, Owen aka Big Daddy O, Michael H, Stefan, Mike D, Maria aka Lady K, Vincent, Gina, Robert @ Fair Grinds, Dan, Toby, the ladies who support me but whose names I don't know...and all the people I've chatted and shared with...I'm loving this trip!

Existential Revelations in - Bristol, Louisiana

2011-09-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

So. Last trip. China. Ended up in (the) Vatican. You know the story. (if you don't you can read about it here) But here's the thing. After my Vatican mission, I decided to visit a friend in Sunset, Louisiana because after all, there are sunsets all over the world. As an added plus, it's a pretty ride...

Oh, look - I found a church:

And an incredibly awesome barn:

Truth is, I find most drives to be pretty. It's hard not to find beauty in the scenery and the ever-changing light. One of the reasons I chose photography as a medium was just that - light. It makes sense, considering that is the basis for all of photography. Even still, capturing something in one light, then seeing it look completely different at another time, or at another angle, never ceases to amaze me. And of course, I tend to apply that philosophy to my life...

I made it to my friends house, and enjoyed the surroundings, company, and the lovely blueberry wine....

I like this part of the world, things are peaceful, quiet, though not without concerns..

Country Livin' - Rocking the Can of Raid...

Imagine my surprise when I was told, while enjoying those surroundings, the company, and the blueberry wine, that I wasn't in Sunset, Louisiana after all. I was actually in Bristol, Louisiana. Wait. Wha...??
How could I be in Bristol, when my friends address clearly said "Sunset"? It was quite simple, she said - there is a debate over where the town line is, but to complicate things, the sign that marks the boundary of the town - keeps moving.

I was quite fascinated by this idea, of existing in two places at once, but also not knowing where in the world you are when you are planted quite firmly at home. Just as light changes the existence of a photographic subject, a town sign can change our human existence, and where we thought we were becomes something else entirely.

As I left, my friends gave me exact instructions as to where I could find the sign (on that particular day) to photograph it. I got sidetracked, of course, by the pretty light and this run-down building:

Many miles down the road, it registered that I had forgotten to photograph the sign...
but then I realized - I hadn't seen it.

It was probably in transit...

Bristol Sunset

**When I am not out traveling the world, or playing a witty ditty somewhere, I lead photographic workshops in the French Quarter in New Orleans. We discuss compositional and technical techniques, including exploring the ever-changing light, to create interesting photographs. If interested in signing up for a workshop and talking and taking photos...visit American Photo Safari www.americanphotosafari.com

On My Way to China La., Ended Up in (the) - Vatican, Louisiana

2011-08-29T11:05:00.002-05:00

That sounds about right....Just when I had a plan, everything changed. Sounds a lot like 6 years ago..in fact, I think I will use that from now on in describing my Katrina experience. Its an inevitable question - "What was Katrina like for you?" From now on I will say, "Well, it was a lot like planning a trip to China, only to find yourself in (the) Vatican..." I would go on to say it was, and is, about finding the balance between the two polar opposites. So it's appropriate that I would find myself in (the) Vatican on the weekend of the Katrina anniversary.

My journey took a different direction when I headed towards (the) Vatican. But I put my faith into believing that whatever path I chose was the right one for me.

Vatican Trinity

There were signs along the way to let me know I was on course, such as the house with the Jesus and Mary statues...

Jesus and Mary

And the street signs. If I ever started to doubt myself, I just had to look no further than the street signs to regroup and get my bearings.

Pope Drive and Vatican Road

It's a different world out there in Vatican, Louisiana, but I soon got accustomed to my surroundings, and though things seemed strange, I began to recognize how much is really the same, wherever ya are.

The Digital World

Vatican Dwelling

Vatican Mail

The Vatican area is blessed with a beautiful and scenic countryside...

Cows

Hay and Fence

Vatican wasn't originally part of my trip, but I appreciate that it has become part of my experience. I don't know where I'm headed next, but lines get crossed and plans get changed, so I know that wherever I end up is where I need to be...

Vatican Lanes

See you somewhere in the world! - Natasha

All content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Support the Tour! Take a Trip with a Triptych!

www.nattieconcepts.etsy.com

Feel free to Share It, Tweet It, Digg It....

Further Down the Road - Venice, La.

2011-08-15T11:02:00.001-05:00

I'm starting the next phase of the World Tour in Venice, Louisiana. I've taken a few Venetian trips - the first was a couple of months ago when I did some 'test runs' in Venice and Algiers. I drove down back when I was in the what camera?? what film?? phase. I enjoyed the sights, got much inspiration, but I didn't like my photos. I resolved to come back and shoot again. This works out well, as I am in awe of the Road to End of The World, often stopping to photograph and take in the view.

It's a quirky little drive, which is another reason why I keep going back. I like the vastness of small towns, but going down to Venice, the vastness isn't land, it's water, and its presence always felt. I'm always grateful to be on the little patch of land that holds the highway.

Naturally, this is the Nattie Concepts World Tour, so there must be some life lesson or spiritual epiphany I unknowingly encounter. Well, I did have some sort of epiphany. And that is - I lie. A lot. hahaha. For all of my talk of carefree travels with no preconceptions, you would think that it was true - ha! - But its not. What was so 'wrong' about my first photos that I felt I had to keep returning to get it 'right'? I can only conclude that I must have been secretly hoping that I'd stumble across a pair of gondolas on the Mighty Mississippi or something....

When I went back for my second trip, I drove to the end of the highway.

I had the option of turning right or left, but the street was flooded due to recent heavy rains. My poor little car gets flooded enough on my block and I just wasn't feeling up to chancing it. So I concentrated on the highway, which is all I had ever known of Venice.

But the third time, the street was dry. I turned right and this is what I saw: (insert dramatic ending here)

I didn't need the gondola after all. Venice, Louisiana can hold its own. It's absolutely gorgeous. My first thought, though, was that I should, once again, go back. Thanks to all my lollygagging on the highway, I reached the End of the World in midday light, I can only imagine how beautiful it must look at sunset.

So it turns out, to get what I truly wanted, all I had to do was drive a little further down the road. As I left this little swampy marshy haven, Venice offered some words of wisdom and caution for my new found must-stop-lying-to-self truth:

Ah, the true and honest life, thankfully there are pretty sights along the way...

NEXT UP:

Cuba, maybe?

dunno, havent decided, been lollygaggin' in Venice too long...

All content (c) Natasha Sanchez

www.nattie-concepts.com

Support the Tour! Take a Trip with a Triptych!

www.nattieconcepts.etsy.com

Here Comes the Sun - in Liverpool, Louisiana

2011-08-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

Ah, the road to Liverpool is a pretty one. I won't lie, though. This is the sole photo (sole photo, not sole shot, I have a kajillon) that I have of this town. There just isn't much there. Or so it seems....

Liverpool wasn't originally on the 'tour'. I happened upon its existence while en route to other fascinating destinations. I made a mental note to visit before heading home. Lo and behold, the long and (sometimes) winding road getting there became one the highlights of my journey.

I had planned to start the World Tour this past spring. I was eager to get back on the road with my camera. Back then, I was consumed with how I would shoot. Which camera? Holga? 35mm?? What Film? B&W? Cross-Process??? As the date kept getting pushed back, my thoughts turned from the mechanics of shooting to simply driving, seeing, and capturing. So when it finally came time to choose, I didn't even think about it. I simply packed some Tri-x Film along with my favorite 35mm camera, plus a little point and shoot (for instant gratification purposes).

(Insert favorite Joseph Campbell quote here: "The form is secondary. The message is what is important.")

So it should come as no shock to realize that I discovered this image:

The one thought that never varied about this tour project was the Intent of Inspiration. And if standing on a remote highway gazing out at Inspiration Park, complete with a life-sized figure of Jesus and artificial sheep, was inspiring to me, well, then..um, so be it. I rarely question my intuition or inspiration..

Hard to see here, but in the center are 3 crosses with "Jesus" spelled out underneath. To the left is the Shepard and the sheep.

The Way to Liverpool seemed destined for more divine evocations. Aside from the scenic view, however, peaceful magnificence gave way to interesting and favorite small town sights like this one:

I tried to find the gas station that would be attached to this sign, but it was nowhere to be found. I did, however, spot this fixer-upper across the street:

As I got closer to Liverpool, another building captivated my attention - yes - another church. The roadside sign caught my eye:

I just thought it a nice sentiment, and advertising, that could be applied to so many situations. It also seemed to validate my choice to start this blog. The World Tour was just going to be my own little project, maybe a show or a song later, but then I decided to share the journey along the way because - ob la di, ob la da - life does go on...

One of my favorite things about shooting film is forgetting what exactly I shot until I see the negatives come off the reel. So, imagine my excitement when I came across this beauty:

A Very Nice Way to end the first part of my World Tour, and a Very Nice Way to begin the next phase of the World Tour. The agenda is simple: I'll follow the sun!

NEXT UP:

Venice LA

Cuba AL

Colombia MS

**please pardon all the cliche Beatles references, I felt it necessary..**

Mysticism and Mounds - in and near Transylvania, Louisiana

2011-07-25T10:41:00.001-05:00

Years ago, I got chills when I passed the Zocalo (once the site of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan) in Mexico City. My first stop in L.A.? The La Brea Tar Pits. NYC? Headed straight for the Museum of Natural History. I guess you could say I enjoy learning about previous cultures and civilizations.

Louisiana has a rich history of ancient civilizations and mound builders. The mounds at Watson Brake, near Monroe, and the mounds at LSU in Baton Rouge were built around 5,400 years ago - long before the Egyptian Pyramids. And it just so happens that Poverty Point, the site of Louisiana's 3,500 year old Indian Mounds, is located just a stone's throw from Delhi AND Transylvania,
So off I went...

Poverty Point was built around 1600 B.C. It contains 6 concentric ridges, a plaza and several large mounds. The largest being Mound A, also known as the "Bird Mound" as its unusual shape gives it the appearance of a bird effigy.

I apparently decided to visit on the hottest day of the year...the tram wasn't running, so I did my own solo driving tour. This worked out well as I could climb the steps up the 72 ft mound, (the original height of 100 ft. has been lowered due to natural erosion) not once, but twice (I forgot Betty the Bullhorn in the car...)

The path to the top of the Bird Mound

View from the top, looking over one of the 'wings'

Bird's eye view of the sky

The trees have been cut down from this mound in order to preserve it from further erosion. But plenty remain on the grounds.

The exact purposes of the mounds are not known. The Bird Mound is thought to be a temple mound. It certainly is impressive given the fact that only baskets were used to transport the dirt to create this large structure. It speaks to the strength and spirit of the culture. I thoroughly enjoyed this site and look forward to returning if only just to soak in a little more of its spirit...but now off to more enchanting places...

The view from the road to Transylvania pretty much looks like this:

LOTS of corn fields.

I did have a photographic angle for Transylvania - the famed (yes, famed) water tower, with the bat on it..

The Post Office:

and anything with the town name on it:

(Okay, the school was kinda creepy and cliche - i could sooo see Dracula going to school here as a youngster.)

But I nearly slammed on my questionable brakes when I saw this:

Ancient Mounds? In Transylvania? Of course there are. They were built around 1400 A.D. according to the marker. I shouldn't be surprised, Louisiana has nearly 700 mound sites, most of which sit on private land, like the ones here in Transylvania. It was more of a pleasant surprise. One that, in keeping with the theme of this trip, keeps me inspired.

I could tell more stories of Transylvania, like how I kept getting chased off the road by this giant tractor-bat thing, but I think some stories are meant to be sung....

UP NEXT

Liverpool (LA)

**The few facts I list here about Poverty Point come from its Welcome Center which houses artifacts such as stone tools, earthen cookware, and beads. It also illustrates the speculations and facts of its history. Well worth a visit! **

Start Spreadin' the Splendor - in Delhi, Louisiana

2011-07-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

So....I set out last week to see the world and my first stop was Delhi, LA.
I'm starting this project with no preconceived notion of what it is I want to photograph - my only requirement is to make it to my intended destinations. I thought it best to let the project sort of unfold as I went along. I love photographing small town landscapes, so it is entirely possible that that would become my main focus. I pictured many of my photographs looking like this:

Of course I will have plenty of those photographs from my travels, in fact I already do.
But I almost bypassed Delhi, for no other reason than it was a wee bit out of the way. I was on a mission to get up to Transylvania, and true to form, had left my house much later than planned. But I was enjoying the ride so I decided to go ahead and visit that great land, and I am soooo glad I did, because Delhi is soooo Button Cute.

I spent most of my time gazing at and photographing two buildings - First Baptist Church and the Cave Theatre, both on Broadway...interesting...

self-portrait attempt

The Cave Theatre

I got quite a sense of grandeur and welcome as I photographed the First Baptist Church, on Broadway, in Delhi. Where am I again?

So, there you have it, Delhi, LA - this is what I was drawn to. Artistic and Spiritual Centers. Go Figure. There is so much more to see and photograph, but Transylvania was a callin'.

The last shot I took of the church includes a message from, yes, their electronic sign:

"This is the day that....."

And so begins the Inspirational Portion of my World Tour. It was to become a theme among the other places I visited, to be blogged about at a later date. This is the day that .....what? I begin a fake World Tour for no real reason? Or is this the day that I begin to just ...see what happens. Nice philosophy, if I can hang with that.

But never fear, I still have my eye out for places like this gem:

Hope you enjoy the photos!

- Natasha

Next Up:

Ancient Ruins that pre-date the Egyptian Pyramids

and

Transylvania

Nattie Concepts World Tour 2011

2011-07-11T09:51:00.001-05:00

That’s right, I’m taking my nattie concepts on the Road! My songs, stories, and photographs will find new inspiration in far away places like Paris TX and Moscow TN. This is a photographic tour - an occasional road trip over the next coming months, as well as a musical journey. I'll be snapping photographs and collecting stories for future ditties, while stopping off for the occasional open mike when/where cities permit.

It’s only fitting that the first stop on my World Tour is the exotic locale of Algiers LA!

In the months before I was born at Southern Baptist Hospital, my parents and sister moved from the Irish Channel to Algiers, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, so it appears I have been a World Traveler from birth.

(I am unsure of how long we lived there, but the street we lived on reminds me of Covington, the town where we later moved and where my sister, brother, and I were raised.)

The fact that it was my first home, and its close proximity to my current home, made Algiers a natural choice for the first photographic stop on my World Tour. I expected to drive across the river, find my old street, cruise around the point, maybe snap some pics of the skyline, and be done with it. But instead, I found a whole other unique and interesting world.

There were markets....

..and religious centers...

and even enthralling ancient hieroglyphics!

As a neighborhood in one of the countries most fascinating cities, Algiers retains its small town feel.

And that could possibly be what I am after, finding the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary small towns. Or maybe it's to confirm that the world is as only as big as our perspectives, and the extraordinary can be found right in our own backyards - if only we are open to seeing it. Or maybe not. Maybe it's just a road trip. I suppose I will find out along the way.

Next up:

World Tour

Transylvania (LA)

Delhi (LA)

Venice (LA)

Algiers (LA) - open mike @ the Old Point Bar 7/13

US Tour

Jackson, MS - open mike!

Stay Tuned and Check the Blog for photographic Updates!

Nattie's Greatest Hits ... or Contradictions

2011-05-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

Well, I released some newly recorded songs on Friday the 13th, so I think its only fitting to post about them on May 21st, the supposed Rapture...
Anyhoo, here is a collection of songs from my youtube page, freshly recorded and available for FREE listening or digital download. Hope you enjoy!

Nattie's Greatest Hits .. or Contradictions

The Spirit of Betty the Bullhorn - Jazz Fest 2011

2011-05-09T22:28:00.003-05:00

Betty couldnt be there in 'bullhorn' (person) as she is out scouting future photo shoot locations, but she insisted on tagging along with her photographer in spirit!
Betty sent her shout-out all through the fairgrounds...

Betty at the Jazz Fest!

The Spirit of Betty the Bullhorn - Jazz Fest 2011

No line, not sure if thats a good thing or bad thing,

but good for most, i presume

Chillin' with the gals

Betty and her photographer! (c.) M. Byrne

Betty and Jonathan Vilma! Betty and Jonathan Vilma!!!!

Betty rockin' the Fais DoDo stage

Betty finds a kindred spirit - horns on his hat!

Betty groovin' to Paul Sanchez

Betty and the Bluerunners!

Betty and some friendz

Self-portrait with her photog!

Betty and a brew at the Miller Tent

Betty feelin' all patriotic watching Kid Rock perform

Betty livin' the High Life

Betty and her photog were THRILLED to see all the film-based photographers!

i hope this is recycling

The Neville Brothers.
Amazing Grace

A Jazz Fest Well Done.

Springtime Goodness!!!

2011-03-21T22:02:00.000-05:00

Springtime Series
10x20

I'm so happy that the beautiful Spring weather is here!! In honor of our fair season, I'm showcasing some lovely triptychs and greeting cards made from several of my Lumen Print Series to help celebrate all the earthy goodness! Check out my shop on Etsy for more images.

Victorian Series
Natural Lumenary Greeting Cards
cards are sold either individually or in packs of 3

Sunburst Series
10x20

More images can be found at www.nattieconcepts.etsy.com

Enjoy the sunshine and pleasant temps while they last!

No More Stalling

2011-02-21T22:31:00.000-06:00

I've discovered, through the photos in my phone, that I like to take cell phone pics of writing in bathroom stalls. (Not your typical "For a good time call....") Going through my cluttered phone today, the pics had even more meaning to me as I observed the time/date stamp on them. Here's a few:

"have faith in humanity" February 14, 2011 9:21pm dba

* I enjoyed looking at the time/date stamp and seeing just when I shot this. Valentines Day, and on a red wall no less! I'm not one for your Greeting Card Holidays, but I like that this was recorded on a day that celebrates love. Faith in humanity - yes indeed.

"HEY SHOCKY WAY SAINTS 2010" January 9, 2011 12:27am Kerry Irish Pub

*'Nkay. I have several "hey shockey way" shots, most from the Superbowl era. This one is my fave, though. Because 1.) It's Shockey! and 2.) This was shot the night of the playoff game. When I took this i was still feelin' the love for the Saints, but if you notice, just above it says "you're drunk again", hence my drowning sorrows at the Kerry 3 or so hours after that horrible loss...

"I MISS ME" March 18, 2010 11:30pm Kerry Irish Pub

*Another shot from the Kerry, almost a year earlier. I had to look up that night. What was I doing March 18th 2010? Well, my little Capricorn self keeps good records, and I was able to determine that I stopped in at the Kerry after playing a gig uptown. The juke box was playing Cat Stevens and the crowd was good. I was just starting to transition from a difficult one? two? three? four? years into a year 'of my own'. There had been times in those 1-2-3-4 years that I "missed me", and that night, Cat Stevens was bringing me back into my own.

"I heart Life" September 18, 2010 1:43am dba

* Which brings us back to...dba. What can I say but that this pic was shot just as that year was coming in full force. The last few months of 2010 were crazy, hectic, and plentiful. But within working at that lightnin' speed pace, I was lovin' the life I created for myself, every step of the way.

***So glad to have perused my cell phone pics today to find these! Who woulda thunk my life would be chronicled in cell phone bathroom pics! I knock 'technology' alot. But I am glad its there to help me record these odd little moments of life and to be able to write and share my experiences. Its got its moments. (But never fear, I still got the facebook blues...)

News from Nattie's Concepts February, 2011

2011-02-02T17:17:00.000-06:00

Hope y'all are havin a delightful (yet cold) New Year! I know I am.

If you know of anyone in the Vermont area, My print "His and Hers" from the Nattie & the Class of 2019 series was selected for the group exhibit "Human Artifact" at the Vermont Photo Space Gallery in Essex Junction, Vermont. The show runs from 2/4/2011 through 3/4/2011, with an opening on Feb 13th. www.vermontphotospace.com

Check out my latest commentary on the celebration of heredity and aging, my new YouTube ditty, Arthritic Stripper. teehee. You can here it along with many more ditties 2/17 @ the Neutralground (5110 Danneel) 8pm

And lastly, I've been updating my site, www.nattie-concepts.com , creating more galleries for easier viewing of my photos, as well as a new page for my lumen print series "Crescent City Illumenations". (Thanks to everyone who came out to the exhibit during PhotoNOLA!!) Prints from the original series are now available.

Alrighty, that's all i got for now - off to shoot, write, and print!

Natasha

Nattie's New Dittie: "Arthritic Stripper"

2011-01-31T14:58:00.002-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df92oijmm5w

Happy New Year, i hope....

2011-01-09T21:56:00.000-06:00

So. We are 9 days into 2011, and already I am having an Awesome Year. But its not free of worry. I really don't want this already incredibly stellar year to be cut short just because I drove down the Ponchartrain Expressway or attended a congressional meet and greet at a grocery store.

One of my first photoshoots using Betty the Bullhorn took place in St Bernard. (way...pre-K) We came across a nursery school right next to a gun shop. Seemed out of whack, but maybe thats just me. But it sparked Betty's interest in activism.

Betty's Juxtaposition

I dont like guns, never have, never will. But I understand how commonplace they are in our society. I dont like it, never have, never will. It worries me a great deal, and it should. This has been an incredibly violent year. Already.

His and Hers, 2007

I hope the rest of this year takes more of a peaceful turn. It's there for the taking, and I hope we all do our part and utilitze it. .

Let There Be Peace, 2008

Happy New Year

Crescent City Illumenations Opening Reception December 4th

2010-11-30T22:10:00.000-06:00

New Dittie - Jesus' Love

2010-07-14T11:18:00.000-05:00

F-Stop Magazine

2010-06-09T05:21:00.001-05:00

Photographs from my one woman show, "Nattie and the Class of 2019" are featured in the "Concerned Photography" issue of F-Stop Magazine.

F-Stop Magazine

Nattie Dittie of the Month - Pennies from Walmart

2010-04-08T10:37:00.008-05:00

The reason why I have these quirky lil narratives I call "Witty Ditties" is because I went to an open mic night at the Neutralground a few years back. I thought I'd go to the open mics every once in a while then maybe 'in a year' i'd book a show there. Well, my friend "Bossie" showed up and ended up booking me a show for the following month. I was traumatized. And realized i didnt have enough songs for an hour, so I best get to writing. After that initial show, i had a personal goal of writing one song a month so I'd have something new for every show.

I've slacked off since then. Now I write when I feel like it. I guess once i built up a catalog of songs I didnt feel the need to challenge myself. But Nattie always needs a challenge. So, I've decided to create one for myself....a new song a month that I will post here on this blog...

Hope you enjoy the first one - I started off April at Wal-mart. And now I have a ditty to share...

My Etsy Store has been (finally) Updated! ....More to follow....

2010-03-22T17:34:00.004-05:00

At the DMV

2010-02-06T13:18:00.003-06:00

Here's the first song, "At the DMV" from my performance in Austin during FronteraFest. Check it out!

Natte: At the DMV @ FronteraFest in Austin

2010-01-08T20:03:00.003-06:00

Check it out folks - my first 1 City Tour! What a great way to start off a new year!

Tuesday, January 12th 8pm

Hyde Park Theatre
511 W. 43rd Street
Austin, TX

www.hydeparktheatre.org

Nattie at the DMV -- just released

2009-12-01T22:10:00.002-06:00

Check it out - my one-woman show is now available online in book form!

Nattie at the DMV

Songs, Stories, and...

By Natasha Sanchez

Book Preview

Ordinary places and faces...extraordinary experiences...check out this collection of songs, stories, and photographs from my one-woman show "Nattie at the DMV"

November Art Markets

2009-11-05T22:44:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year....
Busy, Busy, Busy!
(and that's a good thing)

Saturday Nov 7th Freret Market 12-5 (Napoleon & Freret)
Sunday Nov 8th Ladyfest Art Market 12-6 Ashe Cultural Art Center (1712 Oretha Castle Haley)
Saturday Nov 14th Mandeville Trailhead (675 Lafitte Street, Mandeville)
Saturday Nov 21st Elysian Fleas (527 Elysian Fields)
Saturday Nov 28th Mandeville Trailhead (675 Lafitte Street, Mandeville)

"My G-strings Out of Tune"...AGAIN!!

2009-09-01T16:38:00.007-05:00

My G-String is Out of Tune, Nattie's latest performance piece will be presented Sunday, September 20th @ the Blue Nile.

see press release below for more information:
**********************************************

artist inc. is announcing our first show!

Un Route

A cabaret of various artists presenting short original works of performance and a visual art exhibition. “Un Route” will continue monthly with a premiere show on September 20, 2009 at the Blue Nile.

Un Route

Sunday, September 20, 2009
Doors open at 4pm, show at 5pm
$7 - 18 and up
$5 - ages 3-17
(under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)

The Blue Nile
523 Frenchmen Street, NOLA. 70116
www.bluenilelive.com

Featuring:

Alex Burke has been entertaining audiences around the country for over ten years. Truly a variety performer, you may see him in the morning pulling kids up on stage in an educational show and that night you may see him throwing flaming torches around an unsuspecting volunteer. Hang on, you never know what to expect when he gets on stage.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Alex-Burke/1289109131

Andrea Dupree grew up surrounded by the swamps of South Louisiana. Their natural serenity and visually busy qualities infiltrate her work. She is a formally educated artist, currently working in digital media and visual arts. Her professional undertakings have ranged from working at an artist-run citrus farm, to organizing happenings, outdoor multi-media concerts & community art projects in rural South Louisiana, to teaching and grant-writing. At present, Andrea is a teaching artist and grant writer in New Orleans. Her work in stop-motion animation explores inertia, in regards to both physical and spiritual notions. www.bluebird-art.com

Chard Gonzalez Dance Theatre is a recently established nonprofit organization based in New Orleans. Their mission is to amplify the talents of dance theatre artists and to enhance the public’s appreciation of dance theatre through evocative productions performed locally, nationally and internationally. www.charddance.org

Nattie is the solo acoustic musical and performance act created and performed by photographer and songwriter Natasha Sanchez. Nattie performance pieces generally involve social themes dealing with the issues of self-worth and respect. Through storytelling in the form of light comical bantering between songs and projections of film-based traditional photography, Nattie illustrates her thoughts on themes ranging from self-discovery, self-respect and self-worth.
www.nattie-concepts.com

Tsunami Dance Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a New-Orleans-based modern dance company that incorporates athletic, innovative movement with a dynamic contemporary style. Their mission is to provide quality dance experiences as a means of enriching the New Orleans community through providing economic empowerment to dance artists through employment as performers, choreographers and teachers, raising awareness and access to the cultural arts through modern dance. www.tsunamidance.com

~coming up~

Look for our participation with the New Orleans Fringe Fest in November.

www.nofringe.org

Artist Inc., (Artist International Connection Inc.) is a nonprofit networking service and production company. Artist Inc. develops and maintains an international network of relationships with artists, arts organizations, venues, suppliers of services, and many other arts related needs. They serve as a vehicle for all of these entities to connect, work together, request or offer services and support.

Artist Inc. was created by Reese Johanson. Having produced and performed for over 20 years, she continually came up against one same obstacle. How can an artist more easily expose to new audiences and in new places? Self promotion, networking and tireless drive will do it, but it takes a lot of time and work. Reese created Artist International Connection to act as a resource for both emerging and seasoned artists for expanding of production needs, public relations and contacts. www.artistinc.org

Do Good and Have Fun!

Facebook Blues - by Nattie

2009-07-17T19:07:00.003-05:00

"FACEBOOK BLUES"

Zully rang my cellphone up one day,
Voicemail said “I’ve got something to say –
Give me a call, when you’re free,
You’re gonna wanna hear this news from me”

I sent her a text said ‘that’s mighty fine’
I’ll give you a buzz when I’ve got some time’.
It took ½ an hour to send those words,
But I think its easier, yeah, - it’s absurd.

A couple of days later I saw her online,
I thought I’d send a chat, but still no time.
Then I found out, she had got engaged,
From a friend who’s on her Facebook page.

Cuz we’re not connected on a social network,
And I didn’t call her back - I couldn’t hear it first.
So that’s how I heard Zully’s news,
Now I got me some Facebook blues.

These days we’re reduced to Twitters and tweets,
Surrounded by walls where the Facebook greets,
All 1,000 of our friends , even though we don’t know half of them.

MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Text,
Life in 1 60 characters or less.

(c) N. Sanchez 2009

PhotoSpaces, Lumen Prints, and Betty the Bullhorn!!

2009-07-08T21:45:00.006-05:00

That's right, Betty the Bullhorn is alive and well and now you can send a Betty the Bullhorn Shout-Out with one of her greeting cards! Also available are images from the PhotoSpaces Series and one-of-a-kind Lumen Prints. Enjoy!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
nattieconcepts

Nattie's "My G-Strings Out of Tune" @ the Salon 5/21!

2009-05-20T16:38:00.004-05:00

the salon

(anything goes)

Thursdays

6-8pm

All Ways Lounge
(The Marigny Theatre)
2240 St. Claude Ave
NOLA, 70116

All types of performance artists and theatrical presentations are invited to participate,
including acting, dance, puppetry, film, spoken word, music, circus acts

and any other art that can be performed in front of an audience.

Come early and sign up to perform.

Each individual or group will have 7 minutes to get up and do your thing.

Artist Inc hopes that this salon will be a nest and breeding ground
for emerging and professional artists alike to get up and work out new stuff.

www.artistinc.org

At 7:30pm The Salon is featuring:

My G-Strings Out of Tune: Nattie Tales of Pickin' Up and Drinkin' Up is part of an ongoing series of performances using songs, stories, and photographs to chronicle real life social and cultural situations by photographer and songwriter Natasha Sanchez. It tells tales of pick up lines and good drinkin' times. It may also serve as a what-not-to-do guide for dating. Ha!

Swingin'

2009-05-10T20:49:00.003-05:00

Mardi Gras 2009

2009-05-10T20:39:00.003-05:00

silver gelatin prints, hand colored.

Nattie Concepts

Lovely Lisbon & Moonlit Athens - Louisiana

Just Call Me Tina from Vienna...Louisiana

Happy Holidaze!

The State of my World (Tour) - Performance/Exhibit Dec. 7th

Tiggers Never Get Lost - in Copenhagen, Louisiana

Ay Carumba! Viva Italia! - in Colombia, Cuba, and Sicily Island, Louisiana

Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand - in Hamburg, Louisiana

Truth or False? - Waterloo, Louisiana

Nattie in Nouvelle Orleans; Nueva Orleans; New Orleans, Louisiana

Existential Revelations in - Bristol, Louisiana

On My Way to China La., Ended Up in (the) - Vatican, Louisiana

Further Down the Road - Venice, La.

Here Comes the Sun - in Liverpool, Louisiana

Mysticism and Mounds - in and near Transylvania, Louisiana

Start Spreadin' the Splendor - in Delhi, Louisiana

Nattie Concepts World Tour 2011

Nattie's Greatest Hits ... or Contradictions

The Spirit of Betty the Bullhorn - Jazz Fest 2011

Springtime Goodness!!!

No More Stalling

News from Nattie's Concepts February, 2011

Nattie's New Dittie: "Arthritic Stripper"

Happy New Year, i hope....

Crescent City Illumenations ** Opening Reception December 4th **

New Dittie - Jesus' Love

F-Stop Magazine

Nattie Dittie of the Month - Pennies from Walmart

My Etsy Store has been (finally) Updated! ....More to follow....

At the DMV

Natte: At the DMV @ FronteraFest in Austin

Nattie at the DMV -- just released

November Art Markets

"My G-strings Out of Tune"...AGAIN!!

Facebook Blues - by Nattie

PhotoSpaces, Lumen Prints, and Betty the Bullhorn!!

Nattie's "My G-Strings Out of Tune" @ the Salon 5/21!

Swingin'

Mardi Gras 2009

Crescent City Illumenations Opening Reception December 4th