We first introduced Naomi in our article Naomi Hendrix: How Eating Raw Can Lead to a Healthier Mind and Body. Aside from being a health advocate, Naomi also has photography up her sleeve. All her photos found in her FresnoArts page reflect her patience and dedication in capturing that great moment. As you flip through her album, you’ll never fail to notice that her pictures reveal her love of life.

How did you get started as an artist?

You know, I have always been an artist as long as I can remember. As a child I was very creative, always figuring things out. I was 9 when I got my first camera - it was a Kodak Instamatic 126.

What got you interested in photography?

I studied photography in the 90's, taking courses at Fresno City College. I fell in love with the art & never put it down.

What’s your common subject for your photographs, and why?

I mostly photograph wildlife & my only grandson Logan.... the life that shows up in the picture always amazes me - the stillness, the beauty is breathtaking to me. If it works, don't break it.

What places have you been to in your search for that perfect subject?

I've not been abroad yet, but have photographed in Kauai, Maui, Puerta Verte and many States. But some of my favorites where taken in my own back yard.

Your photos are so full of life. How were you able to capture these pictures?

Being patient & present (in the moment).

Your "Wild Life" series was created because of the simple but amazing creatures you see visiting your son's Memorial Court Yard. Please describe your son Ian and what inspired you to create a Memorial Court Yard for him.

Most people go to a graveyard to visit a tombstone when a family member dies. I felt it was important, & healing for myself & my family. To see parts of Ian in the form of a courtyard where I created with my own hands; garden plaques with his treasures as a child, [and] footsteps made with his shoes as I wore them through the wet cement to create the feeling that he walks through this courtyard all the time.

My beloved son Ian was always full of life, enjoying the outdoors. So when he transitioned to his new adventure at 21 yrs old, I continued to see him everywhere I looked in Nature as I was "present." [While] Watching the hummingbird bathe in the Memorial Fountain, I was washed with the love that its beauty had to offer. Each day this hummingbird came at the same time, so I sat & waited for him. I wanted to share this feeling I received, so I began to get some beautiful shots; thus the story of "Ian's Wild Life Series"

You had an ArtHop event last June featuring your “Wild Life” series. Can you describe what it was like to have your first ArtHop?

My "Wild Life" series has shown at 3 venues in the last few years. My first Arthop was @ the New Thought Community http://newthoughtcommunity.org/, from there it hung @ Cafe 225 in Visalia, then for the month of June 2010 it was on the first floor of the Fresno City Hall. It was hard to believe it was really happening to me I thought only famous photographers had art shows...so it was very exciting.

When do you plan to have your next show?

Currently, my 15-piece “Living Food” series is hanging at Whole Farms Market Revive Café. 

How are you now in terms of photography compared to when you started?

Still in love & take pictures everyday.

Where do you see yourself and your art 10 years from now?

I see myself still capturing moments of beauty as I do today......& I see 20 x 30's hanging in beautiful public buildings for the next generation to enjoy.

Naomi is having her Artist Reception Special Valentine Event on February 11, 2011 at the Revive Café located at 1807 Broadway. This Friday event will run from 6pm to 8pm, where she will be featuring her Raw Food Series.

As a health advocate, Naomi is also inviting you to her “New Year, New Body!” This is her new series of Raw Food Classes from January 8-22, 2011 at WFM – Revive Café (1:30pm-3:30pm). And if you are interested on vermicomposting, Naomi will also have her “Worms Eat My Trash” class on February 26, 2011 at Whole Foods Market patio (2pm-3pm).

Donna Paulino covers most of the topic for the Fresno Interactive Network, including interviews, profiles, and articles that inspire our readers about our local community. She is the social media manager and web producer for Socient, a Fresno web marketing agency that helps non-profit and community benefit organizations thrive with social media marketing, search engine optimization, and web design.

Follow her on Twitter:  @donnapaulino

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