We recently connected with Naomi Duben and have shared our conversation below.
Naomi, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I loved this question. I get so caught up in comparing myself to other people that I sometimes forget this quality about myself! I’m sure my optimism extended far beyond my adulthood and was always a quality I carried, but there’s definitely a distinct moment I remember clearly where it really kicked into hyperdrive.
I had completed a personal development course called the Landmark Forum and had newly embarked on my journey for self-improvement. It was a truly fun and exciting time of self-discovery as I unlocked hidden parts of my past, dismantled my fixed ways of thinking, and found myself viewing life in a world of child-like wonder.
I continued on by taking another follow-up program called the Team Management Leadership Program, which focused on coaching around teams and teamwork. One of the most eye-opening breakthroughs through this program was my relationship to my word and making requests.
I noticed all the thoughts that buzzed around in my head when I wanted something and how afraid I was to ask, or how quickly I jumped to conclusions, convincing myself of stories about why I couldn’t have what I wanted. “They wouldn’t have time for me, they would never say yes, of course not, I’m not deserving of that.”
It was in the Team Management Leadership Program that we practiced making requests and noticed the internal dialogue of thoughts that would run through our minds. Additionally, we granted the requestee the grace of responding with three options: Accept, Decline, or Counter with a different offer. We also learned to allow the requestee to decline without adding additional meaning, thoughts, or opinions when someone says ‘No’. It doesn’t mean anything about me, it doesn’t mean anything about them. Just move on to the next person and make the next request.
It took some practice within the program and then in my real life, but request after request, it was astonishing what people said yes to that I could have never fathomed in my wildest dreams! (Which apparently at that time, must not have been that wild!?) Yes, I CAN have that cupcake, Yes, we’d love to contribute to your party, I’d be happy to help you move. The requests got bigger, We would love to donate money to your fundraiser, we’d be happy to cover your job while you have to be somewhere else.
And the more I asked, the more I began to realize the impact that my making requests had. It wasn’t only getting me out of my own head and connecting me to reality; I began to understand what it was like for the people in my life to get the opportunity to contribute to me, to be allowed to express their love.
I had just moved to a new apartment closer to my parents’ house for the first time in probably ten years since I had left home for college. So my dad was thrilled to have me close again. My dad kept coming over unannounced just to stop by, make unsolicited suggestions, and share his thoughts, which was driving me absolutely bananas. It wasn’t until I had spent about a week after work trying to build and install my own shelves in a closet, with no success, that I swallowed my pride and put my newfound tool of making requests into practice. I called my dad and made the request.
He was so elated that he came right over the next morning while I was away in the office, and by day’s end when I had returned, the closet shelves were finished and significantly better than I could have ever done. I realized that this was an expression of his love and that my phone call provided for him went far beyond some sheets of wood.
It was this experience, and many others, that contributed to my outlook on life and really connected me to the power of my word. What I say creates my world. And with that knowledge and awareness, I’m in the driver’s seat of my destiny and know that life is a matter of my creation—so of course, it’s going to be great 🙂
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a chalk artist and muralist. For those who may be unfamiliar, as a chalk artist, we travel around the country (and sometimes around the globe!) to participate in street painting festivals and public events, creating incredible high-fidelity art with chalk on the ground. More popular today are anamorphic pieces with warped perspectives, which make the artwork appear as if it’s three-dimensional and standing up off the ground when photographed, making them very fun to pose and interact with!
A transferrable talent from street painting in chalk is painting interior and exterior murals. What I love the most about this form of art is the community, publicity, and interaction with people.
I have found a passion for public art that motivates me in ways that I still struggle with when painting solo at home. There’s something about painting alongside other artists, receiving compliments, answering questions as people stop by to chat, and posing for photographs that I love. I also think it adds an additional level of accountability to finish because it’s already displayed to the public, so the crowd is rooting for you to complete it. I think that’s why I can paint huge murals in a matter of days while my personal paintings remain unfinished for years! (I’m working on that.. :))
Another major aspect I love about this work is the people I get to share it with—fellow chalk artists and muralists. The community is so supportive, welcoming, and open to sharing techniques, answering questions, and even offering accommodations if you’re visiting their town. We also coach each other to ask for more money! I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and guidance from my chalk art community.
It’s been surprisingly fun to see how my love for people and public art has translated to other events, such as face painting at children’s birthday parties and facilitating activities at schools as an enrichment activity for students and families to create street art together or color in a large template I’ve painted. Introducing this world to people at such a young age is really inspiring and opens their minds to what’s possible.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
A common theme in my answers for this interview is “Ask! Ask! Ask!”
Be a contribution and allow others to contribute to you! There will absolutely be something that you are more skilled at than others. How good does it feel when you’ve helped them learn something that is easy and second nature to you?
People are happy to help, so it’s best to get out of your own head and out of the way, and receive what others have already discovered before you. I catch myself sometimes trying to reinvent the wheel, and then I stop and remember just how many brilliant family members and friends I have.
Teaching someone else is the most effective way for you to master something yourself. So gain the knowledge and then share it and give it away. You’ll only grow and benefit from it!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would absolutely love access to more walls and bigger paintings! Painting bedrooms, storefront windows, and signs in restaurants has been a blast, but what about the side of a building?! Or a skyscraper!? The sky’s the limit! (Literally!)
When it comes to very large-scale outdoor murals and painting on buildings, I feel like a college student again trying to get hired for jobs without the track record of experience. I think the first step is collaboration and learning the ropes by getting my hands dirty. I can already paint, so if anyone has a large-scale wall they are painting, I would love to apprentice and learn the ways of the Jedi, contributing my skills in exchange for the tricks of the trade!
I think about what it must be like to need to rent a forklift and be outside in the elements for hours on end, and how to scale out an image to that massive size to comprehend what you are painting?
Or, if you are a property owner, interior designer, architect, or anyone who has permission and access to paint a wall, I would love to work with you! Even if I don’t have extensive knowledge, I’m connected to a ton of people who do!
Game on, I can’t wait!
Please reach out on IG: @Naomi-Duben. Website (contact me page): www.NaomiDuben.com
Contact Info:
- Website: art@naomiduben.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomiduben/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaomiDubenArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomiduben
- Twitter: @Iloveomiee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IloveOmiee
- Yelp: Naomi Duben
Image Credits
Photographer: Whiskey Shotz Photography
Instagram: @Whiskey_shotz
Website: whiskeyshotz.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.