Born in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by the Pacific Northwest’s nature, NAOMI BENSON has never felt at a loss for the inspiration that drives her abstract surrealist artwork. As a child, Naomi struggled with the pronunciation of her own name and quickly earned the nickname “Gnome” from her family. Since then, art has been both a form of joyful exploration and powerful expression for her. Whether through the embrace of vulnerability or unpredictability, art offers Benson a healing energy that she shares with others through her artwork.

Benson developed her experimental approach to art through years of self-teaching and exploration. Never beholden to one medium or method, she allows her subconscious to guide her creation, often using automatic drawing to start a work and rarely approaching the canvas with a plan. Her creative process explores the organic connection humans have with art as a means of expression and understanding that predates any paintbrush or theory.

Nature and the deep way humans are entwined with the natural world is a recurring theme in Benson’s artwork. The powerful relationship between humans and nature underscores the message of appreciation and protection for the environment Benson layers within her artwork. Through her free approach to creating art, the beauty of play, exploration, and the healing power of nature and creativity are all joined together in Benson’s effortlessly natural and psychedelic style. Find her online on Instagram and Facebook @gnomegrownart.