IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST NAOMI SAMARA
Artist, gallery curator and all-around innovator Naomi Samara has her finger on the pulse of the contemporary art scene in Bali with Ghostbird + Swoon, a curated art and design space that showcases pieces by up-and-coming local artists as well as fashion and jewellery by other handmade creators on the island. She recently let us pick her brain about what life is like in her world.
Hi Naomi, can you tell us a bit about your background? Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?
I was born and raised by a large and ‘colourful’ family in Bali. My grandmother, who was a painter, was quite influential in my early creative pursuits.
Growing up, I was one of the youngest in our little mixed-kid tribe of cousins and friends. Our home is in an old family compound that felt like a separate world where we would roam and immerse ourselves in stories that were heavily influenced by Balinese culture and mysticism. I spent most of my childhood in Bali and my teenage years in school in Australia and Thailand.
At what point in your life did you know you wanted to have a career in art, and what steps did you take to achieve that goal?
I don’t feel like it was ever a choice and I had no defined creative ‘goals’. Visual expression somehow became a default tool of processing and expressing my emotions. Up until now the steps have almost come innately and by ‘chance’.
Academically I pursued fashion design for a brief period, however, I discontinued that.
What came next was a series of odd jobs as a graphic designer that led to working as a creative consultant and stylist. Then collaborations with independent galleries, which led me to curate and open my own small gallery space that evolved into Ghostbird + Swoon. Throughout this whole process, I continue to paint and create personal works.
Things are constantly progressing. I love that there is no finite ending… the many layers of creative realities somehow feed each other and remind me to be open for constant growth.
If you could describe your artistic style in one sentence, what would it be?
Transparent and intuitive.
Where did the idea for Ghostbird + Swoon come from, and can you tell us the story behind the name?
My partner (Spencer Hansen) and I started ‘Swoon’, our first small space that only showcased art— mainly young local contemporary artists and group shows. This was and is still the heart of Ghostbird + Swoon. When we moved and incorporated fashion and design objects to the space we wanted to add another layer to our story… Ghostbird – a direct translation of Burung Hantu in Indonesian (owl), so it sort of captures the magic and depth of our creative roots.
What could we expect to see if we walked into Ghostbird + Swoon tomorrow?
The first thing that would catch your eye would be the strange creatures (sculptures and designer toys from Blamo Toys) and masks.
My latest body of work is currently hung on the walls… and we mainly carry a selection of clothing and jewellery labels from designers we love who are producing in Bali.
How would you describe the contemporary art scene in Bali at the moment?
It’s a scene that is exponentially growing. It’s been exciting to see it flourish over the past few years, with lots of young talents from other parts of Indonesia moving to Bali and cultivating something special. It’s not so much based on catering to tourists, but more of a raw and genuine movement.
Do you have any advice for other artists trying to build a creative business?
There is no one way. The creative world has many faces. Be true to what pulls you and make your own mold and you will draw the right people in.
Also, go with what life gives you, be adaptable and imaginative with hard challenges and turn them into creative opportunities.
How important is the online world for you when it comes to marketing your artwork and your business?
I still need to learn more about it! We just launched our online store and I’m at the very early stages of wrapping my head around how to maximise its potential! It hasn’t been an easy process.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time in life and in your career?
We’re in the process of developing a creative hub, a dedicated gallery space and another Ghostbird + Swoon, so the next few years will be about growing and nurturing this new expansion to something that has a life and energy of its own. I have also been dedicating more time to painting.
I’m hopeful for more pleasant surprises too.
Finally, can you tell us about one amazing female creative entrepreneur in your community that you think we should shine the spotlight on?
So many… I’m fortunate to be surrounded by extremely empowered women from all scopes of the creative multi-verse! It’s hard to choose one…
As a peer I admire Ratna Katarina, she’s the creative director and co-owner of Paulina Katarina. I see her as an unstoppable force with incredible business ethics.
Another is Susanna Perini of Biasa – I’ve always viewed her as a mentor and have worked with her as a curator for her art space. I find it fascinating to see the many ways a person can passionately and genuinely take on creativity in a commercial platform.
Check out more of Naomi’s work and please show your support!
ghostbirdswoon.com
www.facebook.com/naomi.samara.7
www.instagram.com/naomisamara
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