Naomi McBride

10:01 pm by admin.

Naomi is someone who right from the start knew that art was where her future lay. When I was researching her I soon realised that she was someone with a wide variety of talents. People, in general, tend to fix their sights on one thing and go for it, but Naomi searched until she found where she wanted to be and I think, after a few twists and turns she has arrived there now.
Where I think her strength lies is in the fact that she refuses to be corralled into a cage. She meets all her challenges head on and masters them, learning from each twist and turn along the way. Having said that, her journey has not been easy but I think even she would say she would not have done it any other way.

But enough wittering from me let her tell you herself

Hi Naomi,

Thanks for doing this as I am sure you’re busy.

Q. “Have you always wanted to be an artist?”

A. ” Ever since I was tiny I assumed I would make my living in art of some sort. I always was drawing and painting.  A great way never to be bored as an only child.  My certainty took a bit of a hiccup when I left art school after my foundation year and did a university degree in art history instead, and then worked in Sales and Marketing  for 10 years, but it all stood me in good stead for the art career I have ended up with. “

Q. “What did you parents think of your choice of career?”

A. ” They gave me unending love and support; my father was an enthusiastic amateur artist, as well as being an actor, so was delighted that I continued the family tradition.  My parents were not quite bohemian but not quite mainstream either, so the prospect of my possibly not making shed loads of money didn’t faze them. They just wanted me to be happy. “

Q.  ” You work in illustrating, restoration, on canvas and other areas why so many?

A. ” I wish I had done illustration at art school, as I have ended up doing a lot of that.  But when I got back into art, when I returned to Northern Ireland 25 years ago, I started by doing what is poshly called faux finishes – acres of marbling and so on, then that progressed to murals, and I sort of got a name for being able to paint and plagiarize anything.  And I call myself a commercial artist so I’m happy with that – and I do love the variety . Low boredom threshold, maybe. “

Q. ” Do you find it difficult switching back and forth from one style to another? “

A. ” No. Adore it.  I love looking at different sorts of painting and figuring out how it is done.

Q. “Apart from you web site do you advertise or does your reputation precede you? ”

A. “Word of mouth has always been my main work provider, but times have changed and I am conscious of the new way of marketing – hence the website which is beginning to pay dividends. www.naomimcbride.com if anyone wants to commission me. “

Q. ” Was it hard in the beginning? ”

A. ” Oh God yes.  Phoning up people who have never heard of you and trying to describe to them a process they also have never heard of i.e. marbling – I was the first to reintroduce it to N Ireland back in the ‘80s.  Excruciating.  But folk here are kind enough not to put the phone down on you, and eventually I got a job and it snowballed from there. “

Q. “Over the years you have received quite a few prestigious commissions, if you can could you pick a favorite? ”

A. ” The painting in Antica Roma, the Italian restaurant on Botanic Avenue.  I     was very proud of that and sad to see it go.  And the  restoration work I’ve been involved with recently ,a former chapel in Lismore, Co Waterford , St Peters Pro Cathedral and recently the paintings behind the altar in St Malachy’s.   It’s wonderful to see painting coming back to life, and also I have happy memories of the clients, the people on site, the whole experience… there are many such commissions. “

   Q. ” I have seen some of your canvas work and it seems you like to do some ‘In the style of work’ is this especially difficult thing to do without falling back into your own style? “

A. ” No.  I’m much happier working in other people’s style.  I would have made a good forger. If anybody has a decent  forging offer, just call me.

   Q. ” Tell me about The Dodo Pad.

  A. ” This is a wonderful, week-at-a view diary, with drawings, riddles, jokes and flights of fancy based on obscure anniversaries noted on each page and then illustrated.  It’s been going for 40 years and is a venerable institution and the brainchild of a well-known  English writer and illustrator, the late  Sir John Verney who devised a diary in which you could doodle while listening to boring people on the phone.  Hence Lord Dodo of Doodle and the Dodo Pad.  I am the current compiler and keeper of the eternal flame, and I haven’t enjoyed doing anything as much ever in my life. Available in Waterstones Belfast and at www.dodopad.com

 
  Q. ” Do you get much free time and what do you do to chill out? “

A. ” Not much really.  I seem to fiddle around in my studio a lot.  I adore to cook for friends, and then go hill-walking with my husband to burn it off. And listen to music.”

Q. ” What is your preferred medium? “

 A. ” Oil is bliss but usually too slow to be practical.”

   Q. “What about the future? ”

A. ” Planning the next week is as far as I usually get.  Apart from when I win the lottery and can advance my plans for world dictatorship and put a few things right.
I just muddle along really,  and am grateful to have spent the last 25 years doing what I love and having met a great bunch of people along the way.”

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