Naomi Stein Cooper
“I see beauty everywhere,” states Naomi Stein Cooper from her new studio in a 1972 Airstream Land Yacht. This is her first time in the California Clay Competition and simultaneously juried into Focus on Ceramics 2020 at the Davis Art Center ACGA Show.
Currently, Naomi is developing a series of sculptural shamans, incorporating human, animal and plant imagery, referring to the idea that humans have innate connections and communication with spirits, animals, the dead, God, the future and past. These connections can be used to heal, and lift up others. Similar to the ideas revealed to artists communicating with their Muse. This series is the first time she is sculpting the human face as a means to connect more with her audience.
Naomi uses several different types of Cone 5-6 clay bodies employing hand building, slab and coil building techniques. Texture is especially important and she experiments with multiple finishes including underglaze, commercial glazes and multiple firings to get the effects she wants. “The bolder I am, the more I learn about how far I can push the material, every time gaining more techniques to get more variegated, visually interesting pieces.”
Naomi is on a roller derby team called the Carquinez Quad Squad and has kids in elementary school. Since the pandemic quarantine, her balance has been thrown off. Kids are at home and her exercise practice has been reduced. As for the artwork, there is less time. “But one thing I love about clay is how it needs attention, how the timing is important, which demands that I return to the studio to finish what I started.”
Unfortunately, Naomi had a solo show at the McCune Rare Book and Art Collection in Vallejo which opened on March 13 and closed on March 16 due to Covid-19. So to see more of her work check out her website: www.naomisteincooper.com, www.instagram.com/naomisteincooper/ and www.facebook.com/naomisteincooperartwork
