Naomi

Fridays prints before isolating (shares pictures of recent work).

Bruce

Theyre great. I imagine them much bigger and in oils.

Naomi

I don’t want them bigger, or in oils, the size is intentional.

Bruce

Portable?

Naomi

Intimate. Small scale asks the viewer to lean in. As though I am sharing something private. Personal. Which it is. Our creative process is like taking a journey into the psyche if we allow it to be.

Etching a controlled process then contrast with gestural mark making. I am exploring how the images might be displayed in vitrines.

These could sit alongside my matchbox paintings in which I am retelling the story of my mums death to enable me to process the trauma. I use the watercolour and collage to obscure the writing, which is done in pencil. The paintings are then folded like a concertina and stored in matchboxes. This could invite curiosity but also a sense of invasion of privacy for the viewer.

I am focused mostly on process and trying not to worry too much about the end product. Loose ideas may form but I may also abandon them. It is interesting how the mind always wants to fast forward and resists being in the now. I am trying to respond to my instincts.

Bruce

Very good. You’ve put a lot of thought into this. Well done.

Naomi

Im not really explaining it very well. I guess I don’t want to overthink as that will defeat the object. My head is foggy.

Bruce

No you’ve explained it concisely and well.

Naomi

Small scale is new territory for me. I want to get smaller still.

Bruce

Nanotechnology.

Naomi

Magnifying glass required.

Bruce

Monetisation always on my shoulder when I do anything. Maybe a bit of a mistake.

Naomi

I think it could hinder creativity. You need childs eyes. I don’t even want to sell what Im working on. I cant imagine who would buy it. Can’t exactly hang the matchboxes on the wall. Its more the concept…

Bruce

Childs eyes in a market dominated by old men and a few women.

(Naomi shows Bruce some more artworks made while she has been isolating with covid.)

Naomi

My recent artworks explore themes of contrasting curiosity and play. Theyre more drypoint etchings of geometric shapes where I have explored composition. Very definite clear lines. This is followed by ink and watercolours which I have allowed to do their own thing, with minimal intervention. I want to be in the moment and withhold any expectation. Bin the disabling perfectionism. Have fun!

Bruce

These are excellent. Bravissimo!

Naomi

I have felt held back by perfectionism and I was no longer enjoying making art. I’m finding a way to a new approach that involves play and real creativity. We have so much to learn from children in this respect.

Bruce

Yes absolutely its working for you.