About the Artist
Naomi Geller Lipsky
- Ever since she was a little fairy princess girl, Naomi Lipsky loved to make things, with paper, scissors, and glue, or fabric, or paint or clay, or whatever hands could do. However, she also wanted to save the world. To that end, she earned a PhD in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, and embarked on a satisfying career in research (for a c.v. with publications, please click here). At the same time, she took evening classes at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and the Baltimore Hebrew University, where she studied picture framing, gilding, paper making, illustration, and Torah, conversational Hebrew, and Jewish mysticism, respectively (no, she did not become a nouveau Kaballah devotee). When the creation of her artwork became more meaningful to her than her research, she made the decision to retire from science and become a professional Judaic artist.
Naomi’s award-winning work has been exhibited in a variety of museums and galleries, and featured in books and other publications (for resume with publications click here). One highlight of her artistic career was receiving her accreditation from the Quilling Guild. Another goal accomplished was having had her crossword puzzle published in the N Y Sunday Times Magazine
Naomi moved from Baltimore to Rochester, MN in 1990, and once there, she helped found a co-op gallery for local artists (the SEMVA Gallery). She was the Director for its first three years, during which time she had major responsibility for such matters as legal and tax issues, finances, public relations, staffing, bookkeeping, personnel issues, and sales. She also served on the Boards of Seasons Hospice and the Rochester Public Library.
In 2007, Naomi moved to Johnston, RI. There, she graduated from the Master Seamstress I program through the University of Rhode Island. She currently creates artwork, makes puzzles, and plays computer solitaire.
Naomi is a member of the following organizations:
The Society of Gilders – This is an international organization dedicated to the teaching and practice of gilding. They have a semi-annual journal, and conferences every two years. I joined when it first formed in 1988, and I have been on the Board since 2003. I have learned a tremendous amount through SOG classes, and I have met some extraordinary people, and formed enduring friendships.
American Guild of Judaic Art I joined this group when it formed in 1991, and have met many fellow Judaic artists and shared the challenges of this career with them.
Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework I joined the Guild in 1985; it changed my life. I met grandmothers who traveled abroad just to learn new needlework techniques, and older women who still created unbelieveable works of art. I formed a chapter in Baltimore, and was on the Board for a while. The chapters meet monthly and learn new projects and techniques. There are annual conferences which are a wonderful way to meet everyone and learn.
The Quilling Guild This is the original society dedicated to promoting quilling. They have a quarterly journal that is very informative. The members are all over the world, with local chapters, and are always happy to meet a fellow quiller! The Guild originated the Quilling Accreditation exam, which I passed on my second try. I was very proud to have achieved this award.
The North American Quilling Guild This is the American spin-off of the Quilling Guild, although it now has many international members. It has a journal, and an annual conference, with local chapters and its own accreditation standards.
photo by Ed Haskell
To contact Naomi: