Our December Artist of the month goes to paper weaver Naomi J Kendall whose exact, geometric patterns resonate with color and power.
Naomi J Kendall
“Paper is surprisingly versatile and powerful and is available in an limitless number of colors, weights and textures. It’s an every-day materials which could be remodeled in so some ways.”
The place do you make your paper artwork?
I’ve a studio at dwelling. My desk is below the window so I get a lot of pure mild which is nice as a result of my work entails quite a lot of color and exact chopping.
How lengthy have you ever been working with paper?
I’ve been working primarily with paper for about 15 years but it surely was a cloth I used after I made sculptures at artwork college too many a long time in the past to say!
How would you describe your strategy to paper artwork?
I maintain a sketchbook the place I play with concepts for weaves and patterns and these are often translated initially into white paper fashions or small color tiles. My color palettes are adjusted many occasions earlier than I decide on the ultimate edit and I generally make monochrome items with my very own marks or patterns utilizing inks and paints. My work is kind of mathematical and all of the completely different elements of a chunk are fastidiously measured and hand lower. I strive to not waste any supplies and with any off-cuts of paper I make jewellery.
The place do you discover inspiration?
I really like going to museums to discover the collections, particularly the textiles and ceramics, however I additionally discover concepts within the buildings of structure and the colors and patterns which might be throughout us. I used to be impressed not too long ago by somebody on the prepare who was carrying a pair of woven footwear. The fabric itself can also be inspiring, simply enjoying with paper and seeing how far it may be pushed or manipulated.
Describe your work to us in three phrases:
Patterns, textures, geometry.
What are your favourite papers to work with?
I prefer to work with sturdy however versatile paper so one thing no less than 120gsm. I additionally prefer to see the paper texture. I really like GF Smith and Wigston papers however I additionally decide up sheets of paper right here and there if I’m passing a pleasant artwork store.
What instrument may you not dwell with out?
I exploit easy instruments and I couldn’t dwell with out a knife, a steel ruler and a propellor pencil. My favorite glue is a fast drying white glue. My finest discover was a pair of Fiskars spring motion scissors which have made chopping fully ache free. My thumbs are very joyful!
What’s the smartest thing about working with paper as a medium?
Paper is surprisingly versatile and powerful and is available in an limitless number of colors, weights and textures. It’s an every-day materials which could be remodeled in so some ways. It’s lovely to deal with, very comfortable and tactile, and when individuals see my work they undoubtedly wish to contact it. Together with the instruments, paper is fairly transportable which suggests I can carry a studio with me and work from wherever.
Who’re your favourite paper artists?
My very favorite is Irving Harper. His work is actually whimsical and he created such quite a lot of types. He was higher often known as a designer however he made issues with paper for leisure and ended up filling his dwelling with over 300 items of paper artwork.
What are you engaged on for the time being?
I simply completed a chunk for an exhibition within the hospital the place I dwell in Somerset within the UK. I’m additionally engaged on a postcard sized piece for a particular exhibition and raffle to boost cash for Artwork Refuge. My work will probably be proven alongside some wonderful artists together with Richard Deacon and Grayson Perry, which is fairly thrilling!
