Natalie Amoateng

Natalie Amoateng

https://namoaten.myportfolio.com/welcome/ ig: @nataroni_andcheese.designs

I am an artist and graphic designer, I create work that makes me feel rejuvenated, creative, and healed. By creating work that explores trauma, identity, culture, and body image I can create a space for safe discussion about these topics.

'Rebuilding my Reflection' is a personal project that goes over the damaging thoughts and body image issues I had about my body growing up. I saw my body in fragments rather than a whole body. Parts of my body that were commonly pointed out and criticized were my arms, my stomach, and my chin. I focused on those parts of my body so much that I couldn’t see the rest of me. One day something clicks, and I realize it’s so miserable to constantly be hating on my body just for solely being fat. What a depressing time it was, I was limiting myself in what I could do because I was so deeply insecure. I slowly began to change my view of my body, I began to explore my fashion taste, personality, and Ghanaian culture safely while also learning to open up more about my experience with my friends. I was met with empathy and love and told that my feelings were valid, and thus I decided to create 'Rebuilding My Reflection.' 'Rebuilding My Reflection' differs from any other work I have done. I wanted to utilize creating a design for a 3-dimensional space, making the piece large to emphasize the space I take up, and that it is okay for me to take up space. I wanted to explore my trauma centered around my body and the debilitating thoughts that followed it, I perceived my body in such a negative light for years. For the first time, I’m celebrating the progress I’ve made toward the journey to unconditional self-love and acceptance. I am grateful and blessed for the support of my family, friends, professors, and peers for the helping me along the way through doubts, fears, tears, typography, and glass breaking. I am forever grateful to have been met with open arms when creating such a personal and emotional piece so near and dear to my heart and the very fiber of my being. To all my big folks, I love you and this one goes out for you!