Our December Artist of the month goes to paper weaver Naomi J Kendall whose exact, geometric patterns resonate with color and vitality.
Naomi J Kendall
“Paper is surprisingly versatile and powerful and is available in an countless number of colors, weights and textures. It’s an every-day materials which might be remodeled in so some ways.”
The place do you make your paper artwork?
I’ve a studio at dwelling. My desk is underneath the window so I get a lot of pure mild which is nice as a result of my work includes a whole 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 fabric I used after I made sculptures at artwork college too many many years in the past to say!
How would you describe your method to paper artwork?
I hold 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 instances earlier than I decide on the ultimate edit and I typically make monochrome items with my very own marks or patterns utilizing inks and paints. My work is sort of mathematical and all of the totally different components of a bit are rigorously 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 can be throughout us. I used to be impressed not too long ago by somebody on the prepare who was carrying a pair of woven sneakers. The fabric itself can be inspiring, simply taking part in 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 wish to work with sturdy however versatile paper so one thing not less than 120gsm. I additionally wish to see the paper texture. I really like GF Smith and Wigston papers however I additionally choose up sheets of paper right here and there if I’m passing a pleasant artwork store.
What device might you not reside with out?
I take advantage of easy instruments and I couldn’t reside 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 glad!
What’s the neatest thing about working with paper as a medium?
Paper is surprisingly versatile and powerful and is available in an countless number of colors, weights and textures. It’s an every-day materials which might be remodeled in so some ways. It’s lovely to deal with, very gentle and tactile, and when individuals see my work they undoubtedly need to contact it. Together with the instruments, paper is fairly moveable which implies I can carry a studio with me and work from anyplace.
Who’re your favourite paper artists?
My very favorite is Irving Harper. His work is absolutely whimsical and he created such a wide range 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 in the mean time?
I simply completed a bit for an exhibition within the hospital the place I reside 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 likely be proven alongside some superb artists together with Richard Deacon and Grayson Perry, which is fairly thrilling!
