A Wimbledon art student has spray-painted a dead tree neon pink in a bid to brighten up the high street and showcase her artistic talents.
Naomi Brown, 22, was hired by business improvement centre Love Wimbledon and for the last week has been quietly painting, printing and decorating the tree much to the bemusement, and support, of passers-by.
The Wimbledon College of Art student explained that the project summed up her inspirations perfectly.
Naomi said: “I am inspired by contemporary art as well as nature, childhood and bold, bright colours. Working on a project until something clicks is very satisfying.”
She was discovered in June at her end-of-year exhibition where she displayed an installation of textiles, prints, sculptures and photographs.
The pieces were centred on the theme of ‘rejoicing’ and Naomi’s own artistic outlook follows this happy sentiment.
The bold neon tree certainly reflects Naomi’s love of art and it appears to have also captured the imagination of other people.
She said: “Art is a constant target and you can always appeal to someone.
“I have had some regular commuters approaching me each day to say how great the tree is coming along.”
The artwork is part of Love Wimbledon’s Autumn Arts project which will see a number of crafty and artistic workshops come to the area throughout September.
Business Improvement District manager, Helen Clark Bell, explained that the project has been two-fold in its aims – by brightening up the centre up and giving artists a platform.
She said: “The Autumn Arts venture has given local artists the chance to show off their work in local businesses around the area.”
Naomi will just about have got the neon pink remnants off her hands before she starts a new job in market research and merchandising with the hope of developing more business-savvy skills.
She said: “I also want to run a business and be a leader who leads with integrity and honesty.
“This company runs on those core values which mean a lot to me.”
