We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathan Durfee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I don’t think we ever know when to ‘give up’ on a project. For every story of someone beating the odds there’s another falling for the sunk-cost fallacy, and in some cases it’s really a coin-flip as to how the story will end. I think it’s important to give ourselves grace and let go of the what-ifs when making these kinds of decisions. This is especially true in art. A painting is only finished when you say it is so in a way I’m giving up every time I complete a painting. I’m my own worst critic, so I have to catch myself whenever I’m being overly critical towards the end of a project. A lot of times I’m comparing it to an ideal that exists only in my head, and I could spend a lifetime chasing that. Personally, I replace ‘giving up’ with ‘moving on’, which helps overcome the stigma of walking away from a painting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artwork is a fusion of whimsy and nostalgia, brought to life through the mediums of oil on wood panel and mixed media, with a recent exploration into acrylic on vintage postcards. Inspired by the surreal and playful elements of pop-surrealism, my style can be likened to a unique blend of Dr. Seuss’s whimsical imagination and Monet’s impressionistic charm.

Having been trained as a children’s book illustrator, my art often evokes a sense of storytelling and wonder reminiscent of beloved illustrators like Maurice Sendak and Norman Rockwell. Each piece is a journey into a fantastical world where reality and imagination intertwine, inviting viewers to rediscover the magic of childhood while exploring themes of nostalgia, innocence, and the passage of time.

Through my mixed media projects, I aim to infuse new life into vintage postcards, transforming them into portals to whimsical realms. By juxtaposing elements of the past with vibrant, contemporary expressions, I strive to create artworks that resonate with viewers on both a visual and emotional level.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Robert and Megan Lange! They’ve been both mentors and friends for over 15 years on this crazy journey of art.

Website: www.nathandurfee.com

Instagram: @nathandurfee

Facebook: Nathan Durfee

Other: https://www.robertlangestudios.com/collections/Nathan-durfee https://abendgallery.com/artist/nathan-durfee https://www.lemieuxgalleries.com/artist/nathan-durfee

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