Meet the Artist: Naomi Cohen of Prints by Naomi

Photo: Courtesy of Naomi Cohen

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Naomi, I am on a wild creative journey exploring natural motifs in Judaism, particularly the pomegranate – an auspicious symbol of fertility, positive attributes and deeds, and with a silent but regular present in the Hebrew Bible. I grew up in Spain and currently work in London, UK.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always loved visual art; my background in architecture has recently led me to explore painting at different scales, different modes of 2D representation to illicit different feelings.

What is your specialty?

I enjoy painting in watercolours and inks, but also thoroughly enjoy digital art and graphic design.

How and where do you work?

I work wherever I’m inspired; from my bed, to the floor, my desk, an airport… I find the best space to work is wherever the creative spark can be felt.

Where do you take your inspiration? Are you pursuing any themes?

I am inspired by my Sephardi heritage, by recurring motifs in the Hebrew Bible…but most importantly, I am inspired by other people. A good conversation, a meaningful experience, often leads me to create a visual response. The motif I most often return to, though, is the pomegranate. I never tire of painting them.

Do you do bespoke work?

I do bespoke work! I love hearing other peoples’ inspiration and channelling that into my own style to create something truly collaborative.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently reading Pirke Avot (Ethics of our Fathers), which always inspires me. Maybe something based off a chapter of the tractate…!

What is or are your favourite items in your current collection?

I love them all! They all have a very special meaning to me. If I had to choose a favourite, it would be the first pomegranate I ever painted, about 3 years ago, which I gifted to a very special soul.

How do you know when a piece is finished?

When I no longer visit the painting in moments of procrastination, I know the painting is finished.

What was the first artwork you ever sold?

I honestly cannot remember! It may have been a portrait of a gadol.

Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?

Every project brings with it a unique kind of enjoyment. The projects I enjoy the most, though, are usually the most spontaneous.

What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?

I hope I will always paint, at every chapter in my life, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to look back at my work and trace the line of inspiration to my present. Also, I always hope to make people smile with my pieces.

Where can we find your work?

I love posting my work and process on Instagram, so check me out there! I’m also on Etsy as Prints by Naomi C, and personal website to follow!

Photos: Courtesy of Naomi Cohen

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