Naïma Namaste's rise as an artist is a captivating story filled with passion and determination. It is a journey that shows how childhood dreams can evolve into a successful and impactful career. Naïma's experiences highlight the significance of nurturing creativity and the impact of community support in achieving artistic success.
This post explores her artistic path, showcasing the key moments that shaped her creative voice and the distinctive style that captivates audiences globally.
Early Influences and Inspirations
Naïma was 11 years old when I visited Claude Monet's home, museums and gardens near Paris, with her school. She was not used to leave home so this voyage was an amazing experience for her as a child.
"It connected me to a world filled with art and poetry I instantly connected with. It felt like home to be there."
Upon returning home, she was even more enthusiastic about continuing her sketching. She utilized my encyclopedias as a reference for drawing animals.
Her preferred subjects were the wolf, the eagle, the swan... Additionally, she took pleasure in sketching flowers and trees.
Art classes were the highlight of her school days, and she began to envision a future as a professional artist. However, when discussing our aspirations before high school, she was not supported in pursuing this path.
"Not everyone has equal access to education and the opportunity to pursue their passions. I had to work in many jobs I didn't enjoy before I could fulfill my dreams. Women in my household lacked freedom, leading me to feel insecure, lacking in self-confidence, unseen, and dealing with various traumas. Only at the age of 38 did I finally decide to give myself the chance to become the woman I had longed to be."
In 2017, during a holiday in California, she encountered a remarkable and courageous woman who inspired her to resume painting. Encouraged by the woman's belief in her, she felt empowered. Upon returning home that day, she purchased art materials and began painting.
Discovering Her Unique Style
As Naïma developed, so did her artistic voice.
Upon revisiting her childhood dream of painting, she chose to recreate the artworks that had originally inspired her - Claude Monet's waterlilies paintings. Opting to work with acrylic paint, she decided to trust her intuition and follow her own creative process.
She deliberately avoided watching instructional videos to ensure that her artistic instincts and technique were not influenced. Through this approach, she discovered that she was able to reproduce the beloved paintings in a satisfying manner, which motivated her to continue her artistic journey.
After these initial creations, she delved deeper into her artistry and began painting on avocado wood. Purchasing a set of avocado wood coasters from Mraz Family Farms, she embarked on a project to depict landscapes and locations she had visited, including Joshua Tree National Park, Vik in Iceland, Canyonlands, Oceanside, and others.
These creations inspired her to delve deeper into painting landscapes. She was motivated to capture on canvas all the experiences she had accumulated during her adventures over the past 15 years.
In 2020, a shift occurred in the world, prompting her to reflect on the value of time and the impact of fear on self-belief.
Recognizing the need for profound change, she resolved to enhance her self-trust. Long plagued by doubts of inadequacy and missed opportunities in pursuing art, she made a conscious effort to dispel these negative thoughts and have faith in the unfolding of events.
In November 2020, following a meditation session at one of her beloved park in Bordeaux, she resolved that upon returning home, her life would change forever. Without hesitation, she purchased a sizable canvas and began painting what inspired her: a depiction of a woman and a wolf. The woman's eyes were shut, while the wolf's eyes were open, resembling her guardian angel. Although the painting was ethereal and imperfect in proportion, it marked the beginning of a significant shift. She was determined to evolve into the woman she had always aspired to be.
Embracing a newfound belief in herself, she started pursuing her dream. This led her to enroll in a professional online class to explore the use of oil paint and mixed media, marking a pivotal moment in her life.
Mixed media became a signature technique in Naïma's artwork. She creatively incorporated materials and organic composent to create texture and add poetry and her unique touch to each paintings she created.
For example, in her piece "She is gently unfolding her wings," she embedded actual leaves and rose petals, enhancing viewers' tactile experience. This innovative approach distinguished her from other artists and solidified her reputation as a forward-thinking creator.
Overcoming Challenges
Naïma encountered a range of obstacles, such as struggles with self-esteem and financial issues. Despite moments of self-doubt, she persisted in her painting endeavors, adapting by using paper when canvas was unavailable.
The process of selling her artwork proved to be a significant challenge, as she navigated self-promotion and faced numerous rejections in her quest for gallery exposure. Her unconventional artistic journey, which did not involve attending The Beaux Arts School, led to her being undervalued as an artist. However, she remained steadfast in her self-awareness and belief in her own value.
Her unwavering creativity has ultimately led to her art being sold worldwide today.
"By sharing my story, I would like to inspire other women to trust their heart and follow their intuition, always, no matter what.
Remember, intuition is a direct message from the soul. It holds your magic and your treasure that deserves to be explored and seen by the world."
Naïma
Comments