About

Naomi Mcintosh is an interdisciplinary artist based in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland with a diverse background having studied Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture University College London, before gaining a Masters Degree in Design from Central Saint Martins in London.

She employs a holistic approach to her work. Predicated on a belief that everything is interconnected, she aims to capture and share the experience of being in a constantly changing, beautiful and expansive landscape through her work. By being in tune with the environment, she explores the passing of time, seasonality and the ever present experience of nature. Her work recreates her experiences of place, discovered whilst being exposed to the elements and quiet solitude.

She is interested in the creation of objects that capture the intangible qualities of place working at different scales, from wearable objects to sculptural and immersive installations. In this way she uses her background in both architecture and jewellery to explore the relationship between the body, objects and space.

Drawing is the starting point for every project. Precise geometry, repetition, pattern making and the interpretation of spaces are themes used throughout. Architectural model making techniques are the processes she then uses to explore the qualities of line in three dimensions including laser cutting, steam bending and wood-turning. By using thousands of individual elements, forms are suggested within her work, volumes are captured, and 2D surfaces are transformed into sculptural 3D objects.

This way of working has led to interdisciplinary projects, teaching workshops and skills sharing including 2015 ‘Parallel Practices’ with Informatics at Kings College London and the Crafts Council and 2016 residency with the British Council.

Through materials and making, working primarily with wood, she creates specific environments and feelings about spaces. Different woods can tell a narrative through grain, colour and form. With implied movement, the pieces shift and change as do the ways that volumes, patterns, planes and forms are seen and objects are created that have life and resonance. 

Work exhibited internationally and showcased in major galleries. Examples include ‘COLLECT’, The Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Museum of Fine Art in Montreal and the V&A Dundee on their ‘Design Relay’ project as their lead designer for the city of Aberdeen.

MUSEUM COLLECTIONS

2018

Duff House, Collection, Banff Aberdeenshire UK
- Stucco Lighting Studies

2016
Fitzwilliam Museum, Collection, Cambridge, UK
- Walnut wood neckpiece bought from Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery, London
- Walnut wood wristpiece commissioned by Fitzwilliam Museum.

2011
Aberdeen Art gallery and Museum Collection, Aberdeen UK
- Walnut wood and silver neckpiece bought from the Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh

EDUCATION

2008 - 2010
MA DESIGN – JEWELLERY
Central Saint Martins,
University of the Arts London, UK

2003 - 2006
BSC ARCHITECTURE (HONS)
The Bartlett School of Architecture,
University College London, UK