Naomi Arbuthnot | These Four Walls

Over the last two years Derry-based printmaker, Naomi Arbuthnot, has come to understand and appreciate the intimacy of domestic space in a new way, realising the nuances of habit, comfort and constraint, which are held within its four walls. She describes; “Domestic space has had particular significance for everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic as people are spending more time at home and including a wider range of activities within their houses, combining work and rest within the same location, and learning about homemaking and cooking in different ways”.

Previously, Naomi’s process always observed her environments, from holiday sightseeing to natural landscapes. This technique was used to gather photographic source material for printmaking projects. However, for the last year she has re-directed this visual observation and contemplation to the domestic sphere. This has given her the chance to think about the meaning and symbolism elements of the home environment hold. 

This has also provided a way for her to process feelings of depression and anxiety. The work Morning Coffee, was the first screen print she designed when entering the first lockdown. Naomi was having a really tough time dealing with the situation and was missing being able to travel, which is normally such a huge inspiration for her work.

Morning Coffee was a considered homage to the simple process of working on routine. She took inspiration from the person who she was living with who automatically introduced a healthy routine of exercise and work; it all started with a shared morning coffee. Something about this pragmatic approach helped Naomi to accept things as they were and be able to work towards something new.

Naomi is constantly adding pieces to her These Four Walls collection of screen prints as she reflects on her time spent in lockdown.

The specific colour palette for each work is carefully chosen to best communicate the imagery and set an atmosphere for the piece. Naomi mixes colour by hand to get the perfect hue and build up unique colour ways to use in her work. She has also been working on a collection of poems to compliment her current project.

Morning Coffee;
Before I even pick it up
The aroma wafts from my cup
It warms my nose with coffee beans
Scent of vanilla, caramel, cream
A ritual that calms my nerves
This little treat I so deserve
It’s sits, waiting, as if to say
“You can make it through another day”
The sweetness soothes me as I sip
I finish it, every last drip
Ready to take on anything
That the day may dare to bring.

www.naomiprints.com
@naomi_prints

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