Nathan Cole is a visual artist, photographer, writer, and aspiring naturalist based in Toronto, Canada. His practice is based on the exploration of the natural world, both physically and visually. Using the inspiration of his observations, he works to rebuild connections between our natural spaces and our minds. To unlearn the processes of contemporary society and to overcome his mental health challenges, he is looking to fully immerse himself in his surroundings by rewilding his mind and senses. Through education and representation in his art, he hopes to challenge some of the myths, perceptions, and preconceptions surrounding wildlife. Stories and imagery are incredibly important in our understanding and coexistence with nature.

Nathan’s work has been greatly informed and enhanced by international artist residencies, and the incredible diversity of wildlife surrounding them. He explored the lush valleys of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, during the Mauser EcoHouse, the desert landscape of Rajasthan while attending the Farm Studio residency in India, and the hills of oak and eucalyptus at arte ventura in Andalucia, Spain. He is best known for his intricate and emotional wildlife scratchboard portraits, often using his explorations in nature for inspiration.

Nathan has exhibited across North America, as well as India, Nepal, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal. In 2019, he was the 3rd place winner of the 2nd edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award. Then in 2022, he was one of three finalists for the Breakthrough Artist Award given out by the Toronto Arts Foundation. Nathan’s art and photography have also been featured in Arboreal, Murze, and ArtAscent Magazines. His work is partly funded through grants from the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

By following the pathways set out in nature, Nathan works to rebuild connections between our natural spaces and our minds. To unlearn the processes of contemporary society and to overcome his own mental health challenges, he is looking to fully immerse himself in his surroundings by rewilding his mind and senses. Using photography as a connective tool for himself and his viewers, he then translates these observational details onto his favoured scratchboard medium.

Through his work and experiences with the animals he depicts, he hopes to challenge some of the myths, perceptions, and preconceptions surrounding wildlife. Stories and imagery are incredibly important, and our understanding and relationship with nature are often based on them. With the awareness that some of these species' very existence is at stake in our current world, Nathan hopes to challenge harmful practices through representation, education, and his own rewilding process.