About NATALY RADER
From East to West, from North to South.

From East to West, from North to South, my life has taken an unusual turn, both literally and figuratively. Born in the Soviet Ukraine, I was raised in a structured, narrow-minded, and almost militant environment.

Despite the challenges and sacrifices involved, my insatiable curiosity for the world beyond the USSR propelled me to discover a path to fulfilling my aspirations. Through determination and perseverance, I embarked on an arduous journey to the United States, where I found a new beginning and opportunities for personal growth.

Residing in New York City, I have embraced it as my hometown since the day I moved there. It was a transformative experience that marked my rebirth.

My aspirations were suddenly within reach. I discovered freedom and a world brimming with opportunities.

Artistic pursuits have always been an integral part of my life. In Ukraine, I trained as an opera singer and musician, fostering a close relationship with the theater.

Upon relocating to New York, I unexpectedly found myself drawn to the career of a makeup artist. While I enjoyed my time in the fashion industry, I recognized its limitations in terms of creative expression. Eventually, I transitioned to a narrative film, where I gained boundless creative freedom, particularly in the realm of special effects makeup.

One serene winter day, I became a mother, and my life underwent a profound transformation. As time passed, I realized that the life I had before parenthood was irrevocably changed.

Amidst this metamorphosis, I was introduced to a basic DSLR camera. It was love at first sight, a reaffirmation of my lifelong aspiration to express myself creatively. Alternatively, it may have signaled a shift in my perspective, allowing me to perceive the world from a new vantage point. Consequently, I immersed myself deeply in the art of photography.

Through the experiences of both joy and sorrow, I have arrived here with a camera in hand, carrying the weight of my journey and the promise of future possibilities.

Despite my restless nature, as evidenced by my life’s journey, I have consistently sought creative fulfillment. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, guided by my intuition and calling, I embarked on a creative endeavor. Drawing upon my accumulated knowledge and expertise, I founded World Cultures on View, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women working in the photographic medium worldwide. Our primary objective was to foster cultural connections and create a global community.

Since, World Cultures on View experienced significant growth and has transitioned into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Building upon this foundation, Rise With Art Gallery emerged as a collaborative effort involving photographers from around the globe. Our mission is to support non-governmental organizations globally by donating a portion of the proceeds from our print sales.

In this multifaceted role, I am a working photographer, the Founder and President of World Cultures on View Non-Profit Inc., and the CEO and Curator at Rise With Art Co. (www.risewithart.org).

I am filled with excitement about my life’s journey and the transformative experiences I have had.

With warmest regards,

Nataly Rader