Meet NOVEL
Tell us a little more about Novel. What is your mission?
At NOVEL School of Art, our mission is to give disabled artists the tools they need to build thriving careers in illustration that are exciting, dignified, & tailored to suit their lifestyle needs.
When and how did you get started?
I started this business during the COVID-19 pandemic to gain a sense of control in uncontrollable circumstances. As the world became more unstable and more isolated, I wondered how artists with disabilities would navigate this “new normal”. How would the pandemic affect their futures? How could I help disabled artists thrive in a post-pandemic job market?
I began teaching 4 talented artists in the comfort of their homes, & realized that I could help them start their careers without needing to wait for the world to return to normal. I turned my client’s work into toys, party supplies, & sticker packs, watching as their confidence grew! For the first time, they saw themselves as professional artists.
Who / what are your biggest artistic influences?
I’m inspired by dreamers with a passion for lifelong learning! My biggest influences are renowned art agent Lilla Rogers, author Elizabeth Gilbert, & my childhood favorite- Tomie de Paola.
How do you define success as an artist?
I feel like you’ve found success as an artist when the menial, difficult parts of your work are worth pushing through, because you know that what you’re doing is in line with who you are and how you’d like to see the world.
Does your art help you in other areas of your life?
My art helps me keep a sense of wonder. It’s a form of self care when the world feels dark, and reminds me that we are capable of making magic.
How has your career and art developed?
I was fortunate enough to receive a full tuition scholarship at Art Center College of Design, where I majored in Illustration. In my senior year, I interned at the Tierra del Sol Foundation as an Art Instructor for disabled adults. That experience set me on a long, LONG journey to where I am today.
What is typical work day like for you?
A typical day can include up to 3 classes with individual artists in their own homes. I usually arrive with a trend board related to the seasons, and we'll brainstorm product ideas together. "What would you like to create next?" It's a very collaborative process, and the client always has the ultimate say in what they'd like to create. Our goal is to help each artist develop a body of work & a brand that can be included in the broader mainstream markets so that the world doesn't restrict them to the title of "outsider art". They are fantastic, capable artists deserving of professional opportunities. We're very excited to work with Jackalope again!
That’s so cool - honored to have you join us! Do you have a favorite item that you sell?
Our hand painted wooden gifts are a crowd favorite! Every artist in the program has come such a long way with their fine motor skills and attention to detail, and their imaginations really shine when they create something like a set of nesting dolls, a wish box, or a wooden book purse. Some of my artists struggle with visual impairment, but with some accommodations like a magnification light, they've made huge strides in craftsmanship! I can't wait for everyone to see what we've made together.
So excited to see what you all have been working on in person! What is the hardest part of the creation process?
I overthink a lot, and can sometimes shame myself into making work that isn’t who I am in an attempt to appear more “professional” and worthy of financial investment. It’s funny though, because any time I do that, the piece winds up failing completely. When I trust that I am enough, as my authentic self, that’s when my pieces succeed and resonate with people.
What’s the best thing about being involved in the arts?
The best thing about being involved in the arts is helping people manifest dreams that they thought were impossible. Artists can get lost in the illustrious details of their own vision, forgetting that there are big, boring, painstakingly practical steps they need to take to make big things happen. I love being there to support people through the emotional gravity of those steps, since those are the moments when you’re likely to talk down to yourself and question your dream. Keep going. Your dream can be real!
What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena feels like a peaceful moment paused in time, away from the hustle & bustle of LA. I love that I can get to all my basic needs within a 5 minute drive, and I’ll probably never leave this place.
So well said. Anything special you’d like to share?
As artists, dreamers, and lifelong learners, we are in the business of hope. Keep working towards what ignites your inner spark.
Catch NOVEL School of Art at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!
Web: www.novelsoa.com
Instagram: @novelsoa