Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Benson
Hi Naomi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into the world of art began at an early age. My mother, an art student at the Art Institute of Seattle, immersed me in the world of creativity before I could even talk. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by art, and I knew early on that I wanted to be an artist. I would often pretend to study while secretly writing or drawing in my notebooks. This behavior earned me the label of “space cadet” from my 3rd and 4th grade teacher, which initially made me feel bad and made me want to hide that side of me. However, over time, I learned to embrace my artistic inclinations.
I started taking my art practice seriously in 2017, during a period of existential grief about turning 30 and not having kids. I was feeling lost, having run my green cleaning business for five years while struggling with anxiety, OCD, and depression. When I saw the “Inktober” challenge on Instagram, I was inspired by the idea of working on my art daily. I adopted this concept and made it my own, committing to a daily art practice. It took years to understand my art practice and find a place where I felt flowy and happy.
The pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to dedicate more time to my art. I started teaching painting online and volunteering at a local art non-profit. Through these experiences, I gained valuable lessons and met many people who influenced my artistic journey.
What has helped me find success as an artist is my enthusiasm for throwing myself into everything I can, studying art history, learning from contemporary artists, and letting everything meaningful to me seep into my art. Embracing my artistic nature and continuously learning and growing have been key to my journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I thought that all opportunities were good ones, and I put myself into situations along the way that drained me, and led to burnout for long periods of time. I have gotten better at navigating these challenges, but it’s still a constant process. Despite the struggles, I enjoy the learning process of being a working artist and continue to grow from these experiences. The negative experiences are all great ways to learn what we do and do not want.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating expressive and emotive artworks that delve into themes of nature and environmentalism. My work spans a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, and digital art. I’m recognized for my distinctive style, which merges bold colors, intricate details, and raw expression with touches of abstract expression and surrealism.
Texture and play are key elements in my work, and I strive to incorporate as much recycled material as possible due to my deep concern for human consumption and waste. I often paint used canvases that I find secondhand, not only because it’s environmentally friendlier than new, but also because it helps me relax and flow into my creative process. A canvas is a canvas, and Gesso is my best friend!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality I feel is most important to my success is my authenticity. By staying true to myself and my artistic vision, embracing vulnerability and drawing from personal experiences- which contribute to the raw, emotive quality of my work, setting it apart and making it uniquely mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gnomegrownart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnomegrownart/
Image Credits
Vincent Packard, Evan Porteous