Nyaomi

Nyaomi is a Toronto-based photographer and artist who finds ways to combine her passion to create art with her interests in health and wellness. She defines her work as personal narratives that explore subjectivity, the body and challenging issues. She aims to bring awareness to what’s been repressed and show alternative ways of thinking. 

Since graduating from OCAD University in Photography, she has worked locally and abroad honing as both a freelance artist and entrepreneur. She soon began an interior decor business following her thesis on alternative perspectives on depression. In recent years, she has worked with Maclean’s, WeWork, LinkedIn, Sportsnet, the City of Toronto and more.

An Accumulation of Unheard Whispers is about transformation. Through patterns and repetition, Nyaomi's artwork gives form to her her layered thoughts on change. Her message is simple: take what’s deemed negative and make it something positive. There is life after depression, all experiences are meaningful and difficult times are not fought through in vain. "Depression is a communication to the self, from the self, about the self" she says. "You don’t have to experience depression to go through a personal transformation but when we ignore the subtle signs they become louder and more disruptive. Depression is an accumulation of unheard whispers."

Candace “Nyaomi” McLarty, Busy, 2016 (from An Accumulation of Unheard Whispers). Digital. 30 x 40"

AGO: What was the inspiration for this artwork or series?

Nyaomi: The inspiration was a mix of my own experience with mental health, what I witnessed from friends and family with severe depression, and ultimately staying true to my aim to present alternative perspectives in my art. I wanted my thesis to be my most personal work to date.

I know this work may not resonate with everyone, and that’s fine. I didn’t make it for everyone. My depression diagnosis led me to go inward and then I shared what I learned through art. The inspiration was transformation.

AGO: Tell us about a place or a space where you most love making your work?

Nyaomi: I love working in spaces with a lot of natural light and warm, cozy vibes. When I’m researching, editing, reading, writing, and doing other left-brain things, I like to alone in a space with minimal distractions and noise. Maybe some lo-fi and relaxing instrumentals playing in the background. When I’m physically creating – photoshoots, screenprinting, sewing, etc. – I still want minimal distractions but I do like working amongst other artists. I like coworking studios where we’re able to have conversations while working but everyone’s working on something so it doesn’t become extremely distracting. My music choice depends on my mood at these times but usually, I like something I can dance to. Good lighting is a must. I also like working outside when the weather is nice.

AGO: Are you in dialogue with any other artists or creative peers about your practice? If so, how does this dialogue feed your work?

Nyaomi: I talk with friends about my art practice or lack of. I wasn’t creating art these last few months because I wasn’t inspired. It was nice to see how motivated my friends were to make art without taking that as a reason to force myself to do the same to feel productive. Hearing how passionate they were about their projects reminded me of how passionate I’ve been before – signifying the need to get back in alignment versus comparing myself to my friends as my reason to create. Something was off and I had to address it within. What I experienced and learned in this time off will inform my work moving forward. In short, we continue to inspire each other not only by sharing our art but by having conversations about life. 

Follow Nyaomi @nyaomiboogs