The Beauty Of Creation: Visual Artist Nat Bowen Welcomes Us Into Her Stunning Home

The vibrant villa feels both calming and energising, an ode to her personal process which stems from passion, balance and a pure love for colour

Nat Bowen’s home in Dubai’s Jumeriah district is a beautiful reflection of her artistic vision. Clean, neutral tones lend a soothing backdrop that enables the vibrant art to candidly pop and take centre stage. “I love the contrast between the simplicity of neutral walls and the vibrancy of the pieces I create,” says the British self-taught visual artist, who approaches her home much like she approaches her art: with a focus on light, texture and movement.

The colour palette of the home, intentionally understated, sees a marriage of white, grey and beige, making way for the bold artworks to define the character of the space – which feels both like a home and an art gallery.

“Much like my artwork, the home itself serves as a canvas, and I love how they come together to create an environment filled with colour, light, and energy,” Nat smiles. “I use a mix of materials and finishes, from matte to glossy, and I also do enjoy playing with layering different textures to create a sense of depth.”

Nat’s journey into art sprouted from her background in fashion, and her innate interest in being creative from a young age. As a child, she was always drawn to hues, textures and shapes – whether she was designing clothes for her dolls, experimenting with fabrics or sketching new ideas. “I’ve always had this urge to create and transform the ordinary into something extraordinary,” she expresses.

“Fashion gave me a deep appreciation for structure, colour, and texture – elements that would later influence my approach to art. But even though I was immersed in fashion, I started to feel a pull towards the world of visual art. The shift from fashion design to creating art came naturally over time, and I realised that my true passion was in creating pieces that weren’t just about clothing or function, but about storytelling, emotion, and provoking thought.” From childhood play to working in the fashion industry, and then into the world of art, Nat always followed her instincts, trusting her creativity, and pushing herself to learn and grow along the way. “My work in fashion gave me an eye for detail, while the process of teaching myself to create art opened up new channels for me to explore my creativity in ways I had never imagined.”

The big glass windows around Nat’s home allow plenty of natural sunlight to drench the space, inviting a sense of openness and connection to the outside world. Her artist studio, in which Nat spends most of her time, is located within the home – so she can pick up a paintbrush whenever inspiration strikes.

“There’s something so freeing about having that creative space right at my fingertips.” The freedom to change around the art on the walls, as and when the works find a new home, keeps the home alive and in a constant state of creative flow. As Nat perfectly puts it, “It feels like a beautiful cycle – each time a painting leaves, a new one takes its place.”

From esteemed art collectors and interior designers to individuals who appreciate contemporary art, Nat’s work attracts a diverse audience. Her collectors hail from all corners of the world, including high-profile figures such as Idris and Sabrina Elba, Dubai-based former cover star Caroline Stanbury, and many others who share a passion for innovative art. “My collectors often seek art that not only enhances their personal collections but also makes a statement in their spaces,” says Nat, who works closely with interior designers and architects. “My resin pieces complement both modern and traditional spaces beautifully and the versatility and dynamic nature of my works make them desirable for both residential and commercial projects.”

From McLaren to Louis Vuitton, Nat has collaborated with several other powerhouses that align with her creative vision. “There’s a real energy in working with like-minded brands that share a passion for pushing the envelope,” she expresses. “We’re not just creating products; we’re telling stories, sparking conversations, and creating experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level.”

Nat had no formal training in painting, but this is her greatest strength – being entirely self-taught and having the freedom to experiment without constraints. She learned her biggest lessons through trial and error, drawing on her fashion background to inform her aesthetic.

It’s obvious that the balance between functionality and beauty is of great importance to Nat. The interior design is given the same level of attention that is given to her art; minimalism, timelessness and natural materials have influenced the aesthetic. “It’s a very personal process, and I love how my home reflects my creative vision while also being a place where I can relax and feel inspired,” she shares.

“I also love the different areas in my home where I can retreat for some quiet reflection, whether it’s a cosy corner or a peaceful room where I can recharge. And, of course, I adore that I can see the sea from my bed – waking up to that view is a constant reminder of the beauty and tranquility around me. It’s a space that nurtures my creativity, my peace of mind, and my connection to the world.”

Nat lives with her husband and daughter, and has made home to be a place that nourishes both her creativity and family life. “We make time for family moments, and I try to maintain a balance between my art, my personal time, and the time I spend with them,” she says. The furniture comes from a mix of international designers and local artisans. The statement white Yamaha piano is the only item shipped from the UK during Nat’s move to Dubai. The artist reveals her love for customising furniture to make it completely her own – for instance, she painted the Panton chair herself with resin.

“I enjoy personalising pieces in a way that creates a connection between the furniture and the overall energy of the room,” she explains, adding that she also painted her dining table to create the effect of the resin spilling off the artwork on the wall onto the table, turning a functional piece of furniture into a work of art. “It’s a wonderful talking point at dinner parties, as guests are often fascinated by the idea of eating dinner off a piece of art,” she enthuses. “It brings the art into everyday life in a way that feels personal and interactive, and it always sparks conversation.”

The space is styled cleverly so that the furniture does not compete with the art, rather they complement one another. “If you start with the furniture, there’s a tendency to match the art to the upholstery, which can shift the focus away from using art as a true expression of personal taste and identity,” Nat warns. “I often advise my collectors to begin with the art rather than the interior design.”

Most recently, Nat unveiled her new work at Editions during the Downtown Design fair in Dubai, introducing CUBIX to art collectors and designers of the region. The pieces are created using revolutionary, patented technology that preserves the depth, texture, and relief of her original resin artworks, while providing a more accessible price point for collectors starting their journey. The booth itself was painted pink, creating an immersive experience for visitors. “I’m now tempted to paint some walls in my villa pink!” she laughs.

Currently on display at the third edition of the DIFC Sculpture Park, which will be on view until May 2025, is CHROMABLOX® #2.0, a five-metre sculpture by Nat which reflects her ongoing exploration of form, texture and colour, which have been an integral part of her process since the very beginning. In her villa, a smaller-scale version of the sculpture can be found, designed to bring the same sense of boldness and joy into the home to be enjoyed in a more intimate setting.

Colour, Nat believes, has the power to shift energy in a space and evoke a certain emotional response; something she is always conscious of when creating. “It’s less about following specific rules and more about exploring how colour can tell a story or create an experience,” she states. “Colour is both an intuitive and technical aspect of my practice. It’s a way for me to communicate the energy I see in the world around me.” Artists from the colour field movement, from Mark Rothko to Helen Frankenthaler, continue to inspire Nat. Above all, she strives to create that which feels alive and speaks to the viewer on an emotional level – whether a small piece or a large-scale sculptural installation.

Creativity is at the beating heart of everything that Nat does. It isn’t just about making art, it’s about approaching life with an open mind, curiosity, and constantly looking for new ways of expression. “I believe creativity is a universal language – it allows us to connect with others, solve problems, and find beauty in unexpected places. I try to infuse this creative mindset into everything I do, from my work to how I approach challenges in life.”

Authenticity is another principle she lives by. “I’ve always felt that the truest expression of yourself comes from being genuine, both in your work and in your relationships,” she says. “I think that when you’re true to who you are, your energy and passion shine through.”

When it comes to design, Nat is a firm believer that it’s about more than just visual beauty – it’s about curating experiences. In her world, design should evoke emotion, spark connection and inspire thought. “For me, good design blends functionality with beauty, and it should always have an intention behind it. Design is a way to shape the environment around us, to make it a little more beautiful and a little more purposeful.”

One of her greatest sources of inspiration comes from the places she has travelled to, near and far. From the vibrant hues of a cityscape and the textures of diverse landscapes to rich cultural expressions, each journey has broadened Nat’s creative horizon. Each destination brings with it a fresh palette of colours, shapes and energies, all of which shine through in her work.

“My vision for life is centred on staying true to my passions,” the artist shares. “I want to continue evolving as an artist, pushing myself to experiment with new mediums, and finding ways to share my work with others. I believe life is about growth and learning, so I always look for ways to challenge myself and expand my boundaries.”

 Photography by Efraim Evidor, Styling by Marguerita Christoforidis

From the Winter 2024 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Interiors.