Naomi McCavitt: Thicket Design

Artists can find inspiration for their work from many different sources, but for botanically-minded creators, there is no greater source than the world around us.

Growing up, Artist Naomi McCavitt was surrounded by the beautiful natural world from two different environments - near the James River here in Virginia and also in Washington State.

“I always liked plants and just nature in general…”

Her detailed artworks are meant to invoke the same sense of place that she experiences on her walks around nature. She likes to take in every piece of wherever she’s walking.

“I love to tackle a place…like think about it in terms of what are the plants and animals and mushrooms that all go together in a system.”

Her process is one of her own personal study and understanding. Whenever she comes across something she hasn’t seen before, she does extensive research on it, asking around and looking up pictures.

Naomi’s nature walks are what bring her peace and restoration and these emotions come out in her work.

“It’s not just about trying to collect what my next painting is going to be…it’s a place to go get back to yourself.”

In her artist statement, Naomi describes her work as combining “natural science illustration with design.” Many of her works are used as visual aids in scientific research, which allows her to bring an artistry to what might be considered dull.

She hopes that what people experience from viewing her artwork is the interconnectedness of nature and how inspiring it can be.

“When I see the way that nature works together in a perfect system, even though there can be brutal parts of it…I’m in awe of just the beauty of it.”

For more information, visit Naomi’s website and follow her on Instagram.

The Director of Photography for this episode is Kevin Gillingham.

Directed by Stephen Farris.

Editing by Stephen Farris & Kevin Gillingham.

Produced by Laura Christian.