Naomi Kendall

Paper artist

©Naomi Kendall

The paper weaver

Naomi is part of the Paper Artist Collective
She also makes paper jewellery
Each of her pieces is unique

In the cosiness of her home studio, Naomi Kendall creates her colourful pieces. She discovered her craft only later in life. First, she completed a Foundation Course at Cheltenham School of Art, then pursued her interest in history of art, taking a degree at Leicester University and a postgraduate diploma at Manchester University in gallery and museum studies. Only after a career working in galleries and running community arts projects, did she return to making her own work. Fifteen years ago, she decided to open a studio in her home in Taunton, United Kingdom, and since then, she has been working on commissions and collaborating with different artists. She specialises in paper weaving, using simple tools and techniques that she has developed.

Interview

©Naomi Kendall

©Naomi Kendall

Why did you decide to change your career?: After I had my children, I decided not to go back to the work but to return to my own practice. I began as a printmaker, but very quickly enjoyed working with paper more. At art school, I had focused on sculpture, so my work naturally developed a three-dimensional quality.
Why did you chose the medium of paper?: I have always loved working with paper and made large paper sculptures at art school. Paper is versatile and strong and comes in an endless variety of colours, weights, and textures. It’s such an everyday material yet it can be transformed in so many ways.
How do you create your artworks?: My work is mainly focused around weaving paper. I cut, fold and weave by hand. I love working in colour, but I also make monochrome work and add my own marks to the paper with inks and paints.
What’s your main inspiration?: I am inspired by many things: the collections I draw while exploring museums, colourful textiles, ceramics, architecture, and the small corners of the world I have explored. My tools are simple: a pencil, a ruler, a knife, a pair of scissors and some glue.

Naomi Kendall is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2011