Artist Nate Hogan, better known as Nature Dreamweaver, works in unconventional and organic ways by taking only from nature to create his artwork. See his botanical installations at the next Santa Monica RAW showcase on Thursday, March 4th! 

When did you first start making these botanical creations? 
I was helping set up a festival in Oregon. I started having visions about creating heaven on earth, using whatever I found in Nature. I built an altar for that festival and ever since, I have been touring all over the country doing art.

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
Mostly from the visionary arts community and the natural world.

Tell us a little bit about this creative process. 
I usually spend a day gathering materials, a day setting up, and a day putting on the finishing details. That's for an outdoor festival. For a one day event, all of that in combined into one day.

What do you love most about what you do? 
The creative process. Going into a meditative trance and channeling the earth's energy into a loving, beautiful creation.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art? 
Music and Performance Art.

Medium of choice?
NATURE!

Are there any artists or art movements that strongly inform and influence your work?
Alex Grey, Andy Goldsworthy, Aloria Weaver, David Heskin, Eric Nez, Xavi, and Luke Brown. The Visionary Art Movement.

Are there any specific reoccurring themes or subjects that you explore and deal with most in your work? 
Heaven On Earth, Divinity, Spirituality, Shamanism, Earth Healing!

Any previous exhibitions that you are most proud of? 
The Rothbury Festival

Why showcase at RAW? 
Any Publicity is good publicity!

Favorite thing to do outside of making art? 
Dance!

Any current rising stars within the genre that you would recommend we look out for?
ORION.