At a time when climate change is challenging the world, why and how do you think that artists can make difference?
Currently very important and touching topic and a sign for generations for a more mindful approach to the environment. Mother Nature, flora, fauna and we humans are all connected. The topic of climate change is very close to my heart and so it is for years the main theme of my art to show the viewer how beautiful our earth and Mother nature are. In these days and age, we mostly live in automatism and take many things for granted. Therefore, I am glad that I have the opportunity as an artist to make people aware through my arts. Over last couple of years I had opportunities to participate in several exhibitions around the broader topics of nature and climate change, where the participating fellow artists also presented their art works in their own way and from different angles. These were powerful moments to sensitize viewers on the topics and they also helped viewers reflect through and appreciate the nature and art. But I also find the street art projects on the topic very important, because they can also relate to the topic and promote a conscious approach to the environment. Equally important is the creative work with our future: the children on the subject.

What are your current and upcoming projects?
Currently I have a couple of ongoing projects with the German publisher. An idea that has been maturing for a while, I'm looking for an author to get the joint project, create new artworks in large formats, give workshops, and participate in the exhibitions.

Which is your best artwork reflecting on earth, nature, and environment?
From the last works I would note my Neustart Kultur Stipendium project, Mythos Atlantis - the message for the present and especially the artwork "Breathe of Gaia".

My art project is based on controversial story of Atlantis, which perished around 9600 BC as a result of a natural event within "a single day and an unfortunate night", was described by Greek philosopher Plato in his myths Plato. The fragility of a highly developed culture, which can be completely destroyed by a natural event. To unfold the theme I have conceived three series of artworks that build on each other.

In the first series, entitled "Golden Era", the prosperity, opulence and wealth of Atlantis is represented. The works in this series are golden filigree mandalas with three-dimensional effects.

The work "Ouroboros" represents the repeated process of transformation of matter and creates the transition to the second series "Elements". The five elements: air, water, fire, earth and space are represented by abstract artworks in different techniques and show the love, also the strength and the power of Mother Nature.

The work "Breathe of Gaia" shows the earth as a living being with hidden symbolism. This artwork is the link to the series "The Present", which is the third part: a series of photographs that show the discrepancy between the beauty of the earth and the current state and treatment of the environment what raises questions.

What is your message to climate champions and artists?
I think it is important not only to show the catastrophic images, but even more important to show the sacred beauty and enormous power and also the fragility of Mother Nature, to show what can be done and to tell about the already successful projects of environmental protection. That motivates to become active. As Fedor Dostoevsky said: "Beauty will save the world"

And for my dear artist colleagues: keep creating, continue to set the signs, we can show with our art a lot of other and inner world and make a lot of people thoughtful and active

Natalia Schäfer (Schaefer) is a Germany based artist and illustrator. Since 2009, she has produced a variety of calendars, stationery products and gift books to great success, together with renowned German - language publishers. Natalia has taken part in numerous solo and group exhibitions and art shows in Berlin, London, Zurich, Gstaad, Montreux, Monaco, Venice, Miami, New York, Tokyo and Dubai.

Delicate mandalas with spiritual and contemplative patterns in glimmering shades of metallic colors illuminate spaces from the walls, alongside expressive abstract pain- tings and African- style pieces inspired by folk art you can‘t pigeonhole Natalia Schäfer. The work of the autodidact, as Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, who was born in Russia and has lived in Germany for many years, is as multi- faceted as the techniques she has developed. She uses materials such as genuine gold, silver and copper to perfect her paintings. Driven on by a profound appreciation of aesthetics, her gifts to the viewer are instances of beauty and relaxation in our often-hectic everyday lives. 10/6/2022