Meet the Artist: Chair Encourages Viewers To Sit Back and Relax

The Needham Merchants Association's brings together local artists, businesses and organizations in an effort to draw more people downtown and encourage them to shop local.

Placed throughout downtown Needham, each Adirondack chair has its own theme and was painted by a local artist. The chairs will be auctioned off at an event in September, with proceeds to benefit town beautification projects and local students.

Needham Patch will be profiling some of the artists behind these creations throughout the summer. This week, we chat with Naomi Wilsey, whose "Calm Vista" piece can be seen at .

For a full list of chairs, artists and locations, .

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Title: "Calm Vista"
Artist: Naomi Y. Wilsey
Sponsored by: The Grey Goose
Find it at: , 95 Chapel St.

Why did you decide to participate in this project? I wanted to participate because it was a great way to make a contribution to the Needham community through the creative expression of art—a fun fundraiser. 

What was your inspiration for the piece? For the Adirondack chair project, I was inspired by Asian landscape paintings that draw you into the scene. The landscape I painted is meant to look very peaceful and calm, and in turn I hope it inspires those who see it to sit back and relax.

Describe your background as an artist: I got started as an artist as a child— there was a PBS program where a painter would show step by step how to paint in the Japanese brush style called "sumi-e." It uses brush strokes that are variations of calligraphy. Also, my grandfather was a painter, so I took some lessons from him.

After graduating from college with a degree in Fine Arts and Education, I was a public school art teacher/private art teacher for children and adults. In addition, I used my art background when I owned my own design firm and then went to work for large corporations in marketing, a related field. 

What is your medium of choice? I work primarily in watercolors and paint in the Japanese brush style as well as traditional watercolor landscapes and florals.

Where can someone see more of your work? I have a studio where my work is available for viewing by appointment (call 781-449-4528), or online at  mysite.verizon.net/vzexdf3g/arteriedesigns/.