We’ve been a fan of Katie Novak’s
work since she lived right here in Scranton. Now residing in Philadelphia, we’re
thrilled she is bringing her artwork & handmade products back to Scranton for
Arts on the Square.
Have
you always been an artist?
I have loved making art since the
day I got my first box of crayons! I graduated from Marywood University in '06
with a BFA in Illustration. Shortly after graduating I played a role in the
rebirth of Scranton’s Test Pattern Art Gallery. I was a studio assistant for a
minimalist painter where I learned the invaluable lesson of how to properly
stretch a canvas -and I’ve stretched a lot of canvases since then! I
worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a few years and now I am working
at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. My preferred mediums are
acrylic paint, water colors, and wood. For a while I was painting on large
scale canvases but currently I have done a complete 180 and really enjoy
working on tiny canvases. I like to experiment with different textures and
layers and recently have been painting and carving on pieces of wood. I also
make custom frames for each of my paintings!
We’ve
loved your paintings since you resided here in Scranton. What currently
inspires your work?
My surroundings are my biggest
influence. A lot of times I don't know what I am painting until I start
painting. When I step back from my work and look at the last few paintings I
made collectively, they are usually connected with where I am - literally. I am
currently obsessed with painting buildings and houses which makes sense because
I live in a city. Everywhere I go I am surrounded by buildings and row homes.
Whether I am looking at them or not they are everywhere! And it shows in my
most recent work. I am obsessed with rectangles!
I
see that you designed a line of greeting cards. Was that your first foray
into product design?
Actually, I started with handmade
wood planters! When I decided to start selling my work at craft fairs I wanted
to have an array of handmade items available. It was really important to me
that I was making as much as possible with my own hands. So I dabbled in
handmade, hand painted greeting cards. I am having a lot of fun with them!
What
will you be showing at Arts on the Square?
I will have my custom framed
paintings, wood planters (with plants!), and greeting cards.
Where
can our readers find your work?
I am new to craft fairs but I will
be at a few more coming up, the next one I have lined up is Arts on the Square
(of course!) I will also be at The Philly Mart in Manayunk section of Philadelphia.
I have an Etsy. And I update my website and blog frequently with new work and
projects I am working on.
Find
Katie Novak Art online:
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