CConversation: Natalia Nicole Rodriguez, Artist
WELCOME TO CCONVERSATIONS — PRESENTED BY THE CC EDIT
Where we connect with fellow creatives and innovators to discuss entrepreneurship and the pursuit of creative endeavours.
In this CConversation, we connect with Natalia Nicole Rodriguez, Artist.
In this CConversation, we connect with Natalia Nicole Rodriguez, otherwise known as 2BLEENE (pronounced in Spanish as “doble-ene”), a Puerto Rican contemporary abstract artist with a connection to and a passion for nature, studied through her bold use of color. Natalia explores emotional and transformative themes through her dynamic pieces that experiment with scale and push the traditional bounds of the frame. Her art is an invitation to connect, reflect, and discover beauty in both the ordinary and extraordinary. Join us as we dive deeper into her journey, creative process, and vision for the future.
HI NATALIA! WELCOME TO CCONVERSATIONS! WE’D LOVE TO START BY LEARNING A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY. CAN YOU SHARE HOW IT ALL BEGAN FOR YOU?
I first encountered art through my grandmother; her home was filled with various plants and flowers, which became a constant source of inspiration and wonder for me at a very young age. Growing up, I developed a deep connection to nature, and flowers became more than just plants—they symbolized growth, transformation, and beauty. However, my passion for art truly ignited when I discovered street art in 2013. The energy of painting murals on the streets and creating large-scale works that connected with the public was an experience that I wanted to pursue. From 2013 to 2021, I primarily focused on creating large-scale murals.
CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH? HOW DO YOU APPROACH A NEW PIECE OF ART?
My creative process is both intuitive and reflective. It usually starts with an idea or a feeling, often inspired by nature or personal experiences. I begin by sketching and experimenting with colors and shapes. From there, I’ll move into a more structured phase where I refine my work, balancing the technical aspects of the piece with the emotional message I want to convey. I don’t have a set routine; it’s more about allowing myself the freedom to evolve alongside the piece.
HOW HAS YOUR PERSONAL BACKGROUND, CULTURE, AND EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR ART? IN WHAT WAYS DO THEY INSPIRE AND INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
My background and cultural experiences have deeply influenced my art. Growing up in Puerto Rico has allowed me to collect lots of inspiration to be able to use in my works. Additionally, my experiences with relationships—both positive and challenging—have also influenced how I approach vulnerability in my work. Art, for me, is a way to process my life experiences, whether they are personal, cultural, or emotional. These elements all weave into my creative process, allowing me to express the layers of my identity and my ever-evolving perspective.
YOUR RECENT COLLECTION, IF I COULD DESCRIBE YOU IN COLORS, BREAKS THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CANVAS, WITH ELEMENTS EXTENDING BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL FRAME. WHAT INSPIRED THIS EXPERIMENTATION, AND HOW DID YOU APPROACH IT CREATIVELY?
The inspiration for this collection came from the idea that identity and emotions cannot be confined to a single frame. Just like people, experiences and feelings are expansive and complex. I wanted to push the boundaries of the canvas to symbolize that idea—colors and shapes flowing beyond the edge, much like the ways in which we all extend beyond traditional limits in our own lives. I approached these works by integrating various materials and experimenting with new techniques to create a more dynamic result. For me was important to show that every person is full of layers and that’s why these works are full of raw textures.
HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR WORK RESONATES WITH YOUR AUDIENCE? ARE THERE PARTICULAR EMOTIONS OR REACTIONS YOU AIM TO EVOKE?
I hope my work resonates on an emotional level. I want people to see something familiar in my work, whether it’s a feeling, a memory, or a thought, and have it spark a deeper conversation with themselves. Ultimately, I hope my work invites people to reflect on their own experiences and see the beauty and complexity that life and nature holds, even in its most ordinary moments.
REFLECTING ON YOUR JOURNEY AS AN ARTIST - PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE - ARE THERE SPECIFIC MOMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR PIECES OF ART THAT STAND OUT TO YOU? PLEASE SHARE WHAT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF, EXCITED ABOUT, OR ASPIRE TO CREATE IN THE FUTURE.
Past: When I think about past works, one moment that stands out is my first solo exhibition in 2017. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of that experience. It was a defining moment in my journey, and I’m thankful for the growth and lessons it brought. Without that exhibition, I wouldn't have reached this point in my career, and it remains a significant milestone in my artistic path.
Present: Reflecting on my journey as an artist, I’m very happy with the direction my work has taken. In this moment, I’ve been able to push my work in ways I've never thought I could and for that, I’m grateful that I've had the opportunity to do so.
Future: Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement about the new possibilities and collaborations that the future holds.
