Artist Statement
Naomi engages in research and creates artwork inspired by the martial arts by using martial arts movement, philosophies, and culture to influence their creative process. Specifically, they are interested in researching and understanding the globalization and cultural consumption of the martial arts. Taking an ethnographic approach, their inquiries focus on moving beyond the myth of the martial arts and uncovering and understanding the complex historical, cultural, and their personal relationship of an art form that is over 2,000 years old. As a contemporary martial arts practitioner and visual artist, their research, writings, and artwork investigate the evolution of martial arts traditions, rituals, and environments in which martial arts practices live and operate today.
Their area of focus within the martial arts is rooted in three areas; tracing lineage and authenticity, the influence on/of the martial arts in the entertainment industry, and identity and gender politics with the martial arts. As an American white female who actively practices and teaches Korean style martial arts to indigenous Lakota students - their process of questioning social practices, how one inherits history and culture, and the physical state of the contemporary body/identity is paramount to understanding how the martial arts can be leveraged to prompt both personal and community development.
Naomi engages in research and creates artwork inspired by the martial arts by using martial arts movement, philosophies, and culture to influence their creative process. Specifically, they are interested in researching and understanding the globalization and cultural consumption of the martial arts. Taking an ethnographic approach, their inquiries focus on moving beyond the myth of the martial arts and uncovering and understanding the complex historical, cultural, and their personal relationship of an art form that is over 2,000 years old. As a contemporary martial arts practitioner and visual artist, their research, writings, and artwork investigate the evolution of martial arts traditions, rituals, and environments in which martial arts practices live and operate today.
Their area of focus within the martial arts is rooted in three areas; tracing lineage and authenticity, the influence on/of the martial arts in the entertainment industry, and identity and gender politics with the martial arts. As an American white female who actively practices and teaches Korean style martial arts to indigenous Lakota students - their process of questioning social practices, how one inherits history and culture, and the physical state of the contemporary body/identity is paramount to understanding how the martial arts can be leveraged to prompt both personal and community development.