Nata Metlukh was born in 1982 in Ukraine, where studied fine arts and applied mathematics.
In 2008, she moved to the United States and later pursued animation at Vancouver Film School in Canada. She then went on to study film direction at the Estonian Academy of Arts under the supervision of Priit Pärn. In 2022, Nata was invited as an artist-in-residence in Hiroshima, Japan, to produce her film "Off-Time".
Currently, she keeps making indie films and works on commercial and personal projects in her home studio.
author
Luciana Trost
,
Ale Mottesi
Date
February 26, 2026
Art
Experimental
Animation
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WHAT DOES ART MEAN TO YOU?
Nata Metlukh
For me, art is anything that has form, idea, and context. It’s not just an image or an object - it’s a way of thinking that becomes visible.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK?
N.M.
In my work, I visualize abstract concepts and explore the absurdity of everyday life. I often use metaphors and slight exaggeration to shift perspective and let something familiar be seen from an unexpected angle.
When did you first connect with art?
N.M.
After finishing my Master’s degree in applied mathematics, I realized I wanted to do art instead. I retrained as a graphic designer, then became an illustrator, then an animator, and eventually a filmmaker. All of these skills together are what make me an animation artist - that’s how I position myself now.
What motivates you to create your works and to be creative?
N.M.
I don’t really struggle with motivation. Art is what I do - both professionally and personally. I’m always working, either on commercial projects or on my own drawings, gifs, and films. If I feel resistance toward one project, I switch to another. I keep a long list of ideas, and it keeps growing.
"For me, art is anything that has form, idea, and context. (...) it’s a way of thinking that becomes visible."
WHAT TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE?
N.M.
I mainly work in digital hand-drawn animation. Recently, I’ve started incorporating physical materials like alcohol markers and watercolor, combining analog textures with digital production.
WHO ARE YOUR ARTISTIC INFLUENCES?
N.M.
Saul Steinberg, Priit Pärn, Artem Krepkij, Mikkel Sommer, Inu Owari, Ines Rousset, Ines Gradot, Felix Bork, Idir Davaine.
"In my work, I visualize abstract concepts and explore the absurdity of everyday life."
HOW DO YOU APPROACH STARTING A NEW WORK OR COLLECTION?
N.M.
For a film, I start with a core concept. Then I develop thumbnails, refine the storyboard, define the visual language, design characters and backgrounds, and animate everything. After that, I collaborate with a sound designer. The process is structured, but there’s always space for intuition.
OUTSIDE OF ART, WHAT HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY?
N.M.
Bouldering, cycling, making wooden sculptures, and watching indie films.
Any plans for this year? Are you currently working on any projects?
N.M.
I’m starting a new film. The early stage - ideation and developing visual concepts - is the most exciting part for me.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO PURSUE ART OR IS JUST BEGINNING THEIR JOURNEY?
N.M.
Start doing something. You figure things out while working - the direction becomes clear once you’re already in motion.
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