Naomi Lawler with doggo Scully in her home studio.

Words by Madeline Young and Naomi Lawler, Photos by Madeline Young.

Naomi Lawler has been a beloved artist at The Corner Store Gallery since 2019, when she won our inaugural Mini Series Art Prize. A self-taught and highly talented painter, Naomi brings a unique personal touch to her work, often exploring themes with a distinctive blend of modern surrealism and emotion.

We are excited to present her second solo exhibition, The Things We Collect, on display from September 25th to October 7th. We warmly invite you to join us for the Opening Night on Friday, September 27th at 6pm. A preview of the exhibition is now available for viewing.

Read on to find out more about Naomi’s latest body of work.

PDF catalogue can be found here.

New paintings from Naomi Lawler’s upcoming exhibition *The things We Collect.*

Can you describe your artistic style and how it has evolved over time?

I began my artistic journey with digital drawing while sitting in my recliner, too weak to sit at an easel. During that time, creativity became my outlet, offering solace despite my physical limitations. From there, I transitioned to watercolor illustrations, which allowed me to explore more surreal, imaginative ideas with a sense of fluidity. Eventually, I found oil painting, where I discovered my true artistic voice and a deeper connection to the subjects I wanted to express.

My artistic style now blends imaginative realism with classical techniques, creating visually stunning and thought-provoking pieces that invite the viewer to reflect on life, beauty, and the human experience. I use symbolism and allegory to explore complex emotional and philosophical themes—like loss, grief, healing, and personal growth—while maintaining an underlying commitment to beauty. My work often juxtaposes elegant, timeless subjects with modern or unexpected elements, creating a dialogue between the past and present, tradition and innovation.

Naomi Lawler working on her largest piece in the exhibition *The Grief of Empty Chairs.*

How do you approach the creative process from concept to completion?

My creative process often begins with browsing through the thousands of images I’ve curated in Pinterest folders, searching for that initial spark of inspiration. Sometimes the idea is immediate, but other times it requires a bit more coaxing to emerge. Once I feel a concept starting to form, I create a new Pinterest folder dedicated to that idea and fill it with images that help me explore and develop it further.

At this stage, I might begin taking reference photos, collecting stock images, or, more recently, generating unique images through AI tools like Midjourney. My most recent body of work was developed using a combination of all three methods. More often than not, I create digital collages from these references, which I then refine and transform into cohesive, fully realized pieces of art. This layered process allows me to bring together various elements and ideas, resulting in works that reflect both careful planning and creative spontaneity.

Naomi Lawler, *Dunce,* Oil on canvas, 61x46cm framed.

How do your personal experiences shape your art?

My personal experiences are deeply woven into the fabric of my art, shaping both the themes and the emotional resonance of my work. The loss of my brother to a brain tumor, my journey through chronic illness, depression, and anxiety, and the healing I’ve found through faith and nervous system recovery are central to the stories I tell through my paintings. These experiences give my work depth and vulnerability, allowing viewers to connect with the emotions I express—grief, hope, resilience, and transformation.

Through my art, I channel grief into beauty, creating pieces that not only mourn loss but also celebrate life, love, and the connections we form with others. My exploration of emotional and mental healing emerges in the allegories I paint, often reflecting on themes like the masks we wear, the baggage we carry, and the friendships and memories we hold onto.

My faith serves as a quiet but powerful force in my art, offering glimpses of light, beauty, and redemption even in the darkest subjects. This balance between sorrow and hope is a testament to my journey of healing, allowing my paintings to evoke thoughtful reflection while inspiring a sense of peace and possibility.

What challenges have you faced as an artist and how did you overcome them?

As an artist, I’ve faced significant challenges that have deeply influenced my creative journey. One of the greatest obstacles was battling chronic illness. There were long periods when I was too weak to sit at an easel, which led me to start creating digitally from my recliner. Though physically limiting, this experience pushed me to adapt and experiment, eventually leading me to watercolor and later oil painting, where I found my true voice.

Emotionally, the loss of my brother, alongside struggles with anxiety and depression, created another layer of challenge. For a long time, I was hesitant to be truly vulnerable in my art, afraid to fully express the depth of my emotions. However, over time, I began to pour my grief, healing, and personal growth into my work. Learning to channel these emotions not only helped me heal but allowed me to create art that connects with others on a deep, emotional level.

By embracing my vulnerabilities and turning them into creative expression, I’ve transformed my personal struggles into a source of inspiration for both myself and my audience.

What has been your most rewarding project to date?

My most rewarding project to date has been my current exhibition. For the first time in my artistic career, I feel like I’ve left nothing on the table. I’ve allowed myself to be completely vulnerable, revealing the full extent of my creative vision without holding back. There’s a sense of freedom that came with painting exactly what I wanted, without the fear of rejection or criticism.

This project has been deeply fulfilling because I’ve approached it with joy and peace, knowing I’m in the right place, doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing. Each piece reflects not only my technical skill but also my emotional journey. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to see the work come together in such a raw and honest way, marking a significant turning point in my growth as an artist.

Studio Visit and Interview with Naomi Lawler