Animals Amazing and Artistic

by Pam North

Nataliya Gall is a master of reinvention, both in her life and in her artistry. She was born and grew up in the Ukraine, then moved to Germany 20 years ago. It was there that she began to be interested in the world of teddy bears and other animals, which she now has been making for fifteen years, establishing a name for herself as an exceptional animal artist.
Nataliya had two other professions before. She has a degree as a theater director, and she worked extensively on stage while she lived in the Ukraine. She also had experience there as a newspaper editor. Both endeavors she found interesting as avenues to explore her talents and interests. It was in emigration, however, that the real necessity arose to look for herself anew, and in that effort she discovered a new and exciting talent.
After her first marriage and subsequent divorce (her two sons are now adults), Nataliya subsequently raised her children by herself. Her youngest son had asked her to make a Mr. Bean’s teddy bear for him, so she crocheted the bear while reading material about the teddy bear world. As a child she had gone to art school, so she was aware of some of her creative bent. She began to further explore her innate creativity, and also to develop her own unique style. That led to her making realistic animals with a whimsical touch, and during her years as a single mom, her new work supported her both financially and as a morale booster. Seven years ago she met a wonderful man, and they married a year ago and moved to Switzerland.
Because her new career did not overlap with her previous other work, she was able to focus solely on sewing cute animals. Initially she made miniature size animals (up to 12-18 cm in height), but over her many years of activity in her art, she has transitioned to making animals in their real size (mostly 35-60 cm high). “I have no goal to make an exact copy of the animal,” she said. “I just create and the process turns out an animal with its own shade of character.”
She has made many kinds of animals. In addition to bears, there are dogs, lemurs, fantasy dragons, exotic funny Australian quoks and wombats, and many others. “But most of all I love cats!” she exclaimed. “As in life and as in work. When my children were small, we had a proud but affectionate cat named Marquis at home. I have made many types of cats:- lions, tigers, caracals, manuls. When I worked in miniature, I loved making cats the most. Even now, sometimes, I take orders for small cats. For them, I use cotter pins and washers to connect the limbs, depending on the design. Sometimes these are cats on the verge of fantasy, red as fire or blue as night, subject to the inspiration. I can just look at the fabric, and suddenly an idea arises. I generally like to fantasize. When I worked with miniature sizes, I did workshops several times - in person, where a small group of people gathered and together we made a miniature bear or cat.”
In her initial years, she created bears and other animals as well as she could, but over time she found that she lacked some technical knowledge in working with certain materials. She resolved that problem by purchasing several official master classes from her colleagues, using  only the methods that would complement her own style. “I think that an artist must never compromise his/her own unique style. Repeating other masters' images does not bring any benefit or joy.” Nataliya feels that she has not been unduly influenced in her craft as she learned new and better techniques. “Probably the opposite,” she remarked. “My own work has influenced me. I became more interested in the world of animals. When creating each animal, I look at many photos and videos to study its habits and its world, and it always amazes me. As I learn about them, I am inspired, and that makes me love animals even more.”
Nataliya uses a variety of materials and techniques in her craft. “Now that I'm working in a realistic style, I make the animal in life-size, using a skeleton for more joint mobility. In fabric choice, I prefer high-quality faux fur that looks realistic. I also use mohair or alpaca. In each of my works, there are details (noses, etc. made of polymer clay), and glass eyes. For both small and large animals, I buy glass eyes. I don’t paint them myself, but I have the opportunity to buy beautiful painted eyes in a small factory. Or just black one.” 
“I can't single out the most difficult process, as all moments are equal,” she continued. “The most interesting process is the design of the ‘face’, because it is not completely clear with what character the creation  will be born. Will he be cute or very serious? Therefore, I sometimes work until 3 am to have time to finish and tell him, ‘Well, hello, my love!’”
Her work space is a bright room in white and beige tones in the Provence style, with a lot of flowers - in pictures, in vases, in the decor. All important tools are stored in a wheeled cart, so that she can always have everything at hand. “Atmosphere and mood also influence the role of the birth of a new creation, so are important,” she pointed out.
Nataliya sells her work via two professional platforms: Tedsby and BearPile. Also her regular collectors often write to her to order creations.
Next for Nataliya and her creations is participation in an online show, but the main goal for the next year is participation in the Golden George competition in the German city of Münster. “I already have two of the most important awards - two Golden George statues - and four nominations. It's a special feeling when you're standing on stage with other nominees, and until the last second, no one knows the winner. Then the photo of your creation appears on the big screen and your name is announced. You exclaim, ‘Wow!’ and wipe away tears of joy. There is a saying: ‘God loves a trinity’, so I'll try to win again.”
One of the questions facing all artists who create collectibles is whether collectors are becoming fewer in number or are buying less. Nataliya’s response to that was: “This is a difficult question. Everything in our world is interconnected, whether in politics, economics, or art. Of course, it is noticeable in sales that collectors are buying a little less due to the economy. This is normal now, and I have great respect for important personal needs. But, I believe that the world of teddies will continue its life because it brings joy, which is so important.”

Contact Information:
Name:  Nataliya Gall
Business name: NataStein
Websites:  https://www.facebook.com/NataStein/, https://www.bearpile.com/natastein
Email: nata.gall@yahoo.com
Tel./WhatsApp: 0041763895768
Contact Information:
Name:  Nataliya Gall
Business name:  NataStein
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/NataStein/
Email:  nata.gall@yahoo.com
Address:  Juraweg 2, 5502 Hunzenschwil, Switzerland
Telephone:  0041763895768