Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyla Novak.
Kyla Novak is a multi-disciplinary artist who believes in putting creativity out into the world every day. During Kyla’s undergraduate studies at CSU, she traveled abroad to study as a fine artist in a small Tuscan town called Castiglion Fiorentino. A pivotal time in Kyla’s life, she studied printmaking, drawing, and Italian Renaissance Art. While abroad, she discovered a firm belief in the value of the artistic process, the ebb and flow of success and failure, craft and handmade, and the patience it takes to make artwork that speaks to the soul. These experiences quickly influenced her passion to become an art educator and an advocate of keeping art education alive and appreciated in public schools in the U.S.
Since graduating from CSU with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and a Bachelors in Art Education, Kyla has co-owned several freelance businesses with her partner, relating to silkscreen printing, graphic design and photography and has just begun her 8th year teaching art in public schools. Kyla comes from a background in graphic design, illustration, hand lettering, photography, printmaking, metalsmithing, and fiber art.
This year will also mark a shift in routines as Kyla begins to dedicate more time to her personal artistic endeavors/small business ventures with The Wavering Line. The Wavering Line currently focuses on custom, small-batch jewelry and handmade goodness including metals, clay, illustration, graphic design, hand lettering, murals and signage.
Kyla recently participated as an artist in the 2019 Fort Collins Mural Project, a week-long mural festival in Fort Collins, Colorado. Past exhibitions include the Bad Broad Collective “Asylum” Exhibition at the Art Lab in Fort Collins, Colorado; the “Practice What You Teach Art Educators of Northern Colorado” at the Loveland Museum Gallery in Loveland, Colorado; the “Honey” Exhibition at the Art Lab in Fort Collins, Colorado; selected artist for the 2018 season of “Pianos About Town” in Fort Collins, Colorado; and the student group exhibition, “CSU Fine Artists” in Castiglion Fiorentino, AR, Italy.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall, no – I do not feel that things have been easy. Good things take time, and a whole lot of resilience and patience. Yes, it can be a grand gesture to pursue your passion, but that doesn’t make it easy and I don’t think it is ever easy for most people. I think obstacles and challenges will always present themselves when it comes to pursuing an unknown path and taking risks to do what you love. Each person’s experiences will vary and no two are alike. I think it is important to remember to ask a lot of questions and to not be afraid to address what has not worked for you – your mistakes and failures – these experiences are valid and will likely help you learn and grow.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Wavering Line story. Tell us more about the business.
I believe art is a lifetime progression and it’s important to see the maker’s hand in the world around you.
It takes time, a lot of patience, resiliency and hard work to find your craft as an artist. Everything that matters takes time and I value all things handmade. Being a multi-disciplinary artist and maker, I often dabble in many different projects and I enjoy having multiple projects happen simultaneously. It keeps me on my toes, interested in the work and challenged by new materials.
Jewelry + metals, illustration + graphic design, and hand-painted murals + signage are just a few of my interests…the list goes on of course, but I digress!
When I create jewelry, I enjoy working with mixed materials and textures. My current explorations are with lava beads (essential oils – Yes, please!), mixed metals, leather, and polymer clay. Lately, I have been gravitating towards combining materials when possible to add interest, texture and contrast to each piece.
I have also been finding my way into creating public art. Each project I gain, I have more interest in painting large scale murals. I love the conversation, community and accessibility it brings. Minimalism, limited color palettes and hand lettering are what I believe sets me apart from others. These are some of my greatest artistic challenges, but also my favorite styles to design in.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
As a woman and a feminist I believe that women can do any job that men can do, and vice versa. In today’s economy I think women should not limit themselves to gender-specific jobs/roles as that is an outdated way of thinking. Gender shouldn’t be the question, but rather the skill and experience the individual has. I think women are capable of any opportunity that presents itself and it’s important to hope for a sustainable future for each and every one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewaveringline.com/
- Email: thewaveringline@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thewaveringline
Image Credit:
J Novak / @jnovakartist
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