Daily Inspiration: Meet Natalie Moussa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Moussa.

Hi Natalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my first semester of college being a nursing major; however, by the end of the first semester, I found myself becoming a studio art minor as well. My style of art varies but the content of my art is continuous, healthcare and portraying my life in the medical field. Having two polar opposite interests allows me to bridge the gap between both professions. Thus, enlightening both parties of the beauty that the other one holds.

One of my pieces captures the profile of a surgical nurse. I wanted to make the complexion of the nurse similar to mine. I am half Egyptian and wanted to create a role model for other middle eastern women to look up to. Egyptian women are rarely portrayed taking on powerful roles such as a scrub nurses. Thus, I wanted to create my vision of middle eastern women for who they really are: powerful, intelligent, independent, and unstoppable.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an artist has not been smooth sailing for me. For example, finding the time to paint has been an obstacle due to the fact that I am juggling a nursing major, working full time, studying, staying connected with friends, and taking care of my mental health. I have been through dry spells where it seems like no one is interested in my art; however, I have also been through short phases where I have multiple people reaching out due to interest in my creations.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a painter. I love working with oil paints but I do find myself venturing out to acrylics from time to time. My story is pretty unique because I am majoring in nursing and minoring in studio art. These two subjects could not be more opposite. I love incorporating medical themes/objects and giving them a creative spin on them. I also enjoy making abstract art because it really allows me to run wild with ideas and make something worth staring at. I think I am most proud of the portrait I did of my sister and her pet rat. I have never painted a portrait before and I believe it is my best painting. So much time went into the creation of that piece and it was all worth it. I am very different from other artists not only because I am in the medical field but also because I did not begin my art career until my first semester in college. Most people have been artists their entire lives or have at least been curious. However, for me, I have never explored my creativity until it was my only option when picking college classes. A semester into my college career, I found myself minoring in studio art and falling in love with the culture.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Kansas City is for lovers. Not only relationships but lovers of art, food, music, education, dreamers, builders, and workers. Kansas City is my home and there is so much to say about it. I know I am in Kansas because when I smile at someone, they always smile back. When venturing out to other states, the same reaction is not produced. Kansas City is home to one of the most impressive art museums, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. We are home to the winners of the World Series and the winners of the Superbowl. We are home to First Fridays and amazing shelters to adopt animals. My least favorite thing about Kansas City is the minimal diversity and ethnicities that are promoted through social media and community involvement. As a minority, I wish that I grew up around seeing people like me in positions of power and intellect. I am lucky to know that I am just as valuable as those who are seen in social gatherings. However, some people do not know that they are just as worthy of greatness.

Contact Info:

• Email: nataliemoussa2776@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Ad_astra_art_kc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.moussa.94