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Meet the Artist Behind The Standards: Natalie Hope McDonald

Meet the Artist Behind The Standards: Natalie Hope McDonald

Our house wines are bottled up in brand new packaging! 

The Red Standard and The White Standard labels were previously in the shape of the state of Pennsylvania with words that the team regularly used to describe the wines.

The new labels were designed by Philadelphia artist and illustrator, Natalie Hope McDonald. Like its predecessors, our house wines continue to honor the region and the Chaddsford legacy with their local production. 

McDonald, who draws inspiration from urban life and architecture, developed an intriguing, dynamic design that incorporates phrases and icons ranging from building fronts to corkscrews. 

Both wines will be available beginning Saturday, June 3, 2023, during a Release Weekend celebration at all locations and online. McDonald will be onsite at the Winery’s main location on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 1-3pm where guests can meet the artist, get their bottles signed, and be among the very first to try the newest bottlings by the glass or bottle.

Secure your spot, join the celebration, and get to know the artist below with our q+a! 

What other types of commercial products have you designed, and what was different about this project?

A few years ago, I worked with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to create a few different products. I supplied art for a print of Philadelphia that could be colored, as well as mugs, tea towels, bags and other housewares that celebrate the city. It was a great experience seeing my art on items that people could actually use. As an artist, I also paint a lot of murals, often in lobbies of buildings people call home, or in offices where they work. Being able to present art in this way truly brings it to their doorsteps. Working with the winery is similar in that a wine bottle can become a focal point of special events or even a dinner at home with a loved one. I absolutely love that the art I make can play a small part in these intimate or everyday experiences.

Where did you draw inspiration from for this project?

I spend a lot of time drawing pieces that embody certain themes. In some cases I work with art collectors on special commissions, or I plan murals that use this same style of drawing for specific locations, whether homes or public spaces. Since I was a kid I have been drawing. So being able to revisit this process as an adult brings a different kind of perspective and, I like to think, depth. I'm inspired by the simple line and what it can become, as well as street art and graffiti. As someone who lives and works in Philly, public art surrounds me everywhere I go - and it definitely influences my work in unique ways. 

What has been the most unusual or unique object that you’ve painted or illustrated?

I painted a cityscape on a bathtub for Kohler. I also paint sneakers. 

How does the city of Philadelphia influence your work?

Street art has been a huge influence. Just taking a walk in the city is like walking through a gallery where people are signing their names or creating beautiful pieces meant to be seen by everyone. There are no barriers. These are truly passion projects. I even find that some of the graffiti I see in cities can be just as/if not more interesting than what I see curated. It's so of the moment, fresh and honest. Many of my favorite fine artists actually started as graffiti painters, like Basquiat and Haring. 

What are you working on now?  Where can we find your work this Spring and Summer?

I am always working on new projects. Just this year I began upcycling vessels and decorative china for new painting projects. I like the idea of using materials that already exist to create new work in a sustainable way. Some of these original pieces are currently being exhibited at Noname Gallery in Chestnut Hill. I'm also working with Mural Arts to create my own mural in the city this summer. 

About

Natalie Hope McDonald recently exhibited at James Oliver Gallery and currently has three-dimensional works at NoName Gallery. She created a mural in conjunction with Mural Arts and Streets Dept. for the 2022 elections in Love Park. She's also getting ready to paint an original mural with Mural Arts in Philadelphia this summer.

She was commissioned in 2022 to create an original portrait of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson that currently hangs in her chambers in Washington D.C. Natalie has also painted murals on site at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, and at the National Liberty Museum. She serves on the Art Committee for the William Way LGBT Committee Center. Her work can be found in private and corporate collections around the world, as well as the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Art Museum. You can find her at nataliehopemcdonaldillustration.com.