Painter, illustrator, and all-around visual arts wizard Liv Novotny joined the COMPAS roster last July, and they’re already making magic. You can see Liv’s striking sign art on storefront windows from Saint Paul to Philadelphia, and in our newest Artist Spotlight, we caught up with them to hear about their experiences over the pandemic and what makes community art projects so special.
Hey Liv, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. To get started, can you tell us a little about what your background and what your art form is?
I have many different art forms, right now I mainly paint murals, signs, and tattoo. I also do graphic design, illustration, printmaking, fabric arts, wood and metal work. I’ve drawn and painted all my life and experimented with many different mediums throughout the years. I am more skilled at 2D design than 3D sculpture, although I enjoy making anything with my hands!
When did you first become interested in visual art? How did it happen? Who were some of your influences?
My mother was my biggest creative influence growing up, we were always drawing together and making crafts. When I was 9 years old, she got me a canvas and easel and helped me paint a picture of our dog. I fell in love with painting after that. We would also sew, repair furniture, press flowers, practice handwriting, all kinds of fun stuff. I really wouldn’t be who I am today without all the support of my mom.
Your mural projects often involve a collaborative aspect to them, what do you find the most rewarding about that? The most challenging?
I love being on a team. It is extraordinary to be a part of a project that is bigger than yourself. When the team creates something that you couldn’t do alone– it is so magic. You can see in the painting itself all the hands that worked on the mural. Organization of a team can be a challenge when people have different ideas about execution, but once tasks are delegated it can be smooth sailing into a beautiful and epic result.
What do you get out of teaching versus creating your own work? What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is empowering young people to express their creativity and skills. Often people think they “can’t draw” or “aren’t artistic,” and that blocks them from creating art. Art is so subjective, so I aim to encourage people to create freely without caring about the result. I love to see students making what they are passionate about, and passion is what really makes the piece.
In this time of virtual programming how are you adjusting? What do you find challenging? Any unexpected benefits?
I definitely prefer in-person teaching, because I like to be super present with the students and connect with them. What I remember most from my education is the one-on-one time I had with teachers paying attention to me, so I try to provide that. I find the computer can feel less personal. However, they give us the benefit of streamlining lessons, creating videos that students can access and replay from anywhere, which is super cool.
Have you been working on any new projects lately?
Lately I have been working with small businesses in Brooklyn getting their storefronts cleaned up with new signage and murals. A lot of businesses took a hit in this pandemic and could use a little help to get back on their feet. New art on walls is fresh and catches people’s eyes, exactly what they need to get back in business. I’ve also been teaching figure drawing classes and helping run events at a community art gallery.
You joined the COMPAS roster a little less than a year ago and just started your first COMPAS program! What’s it like to be a part of COMPAS so far?
So far COMPAS has been incredibly supportive, organized, and transparent to work with! They’ve given me resources like cameras and a studio to record virtual teaching lessons, which is super helpful. The schools and programs they work with are great and always think about what is best for the students.
How do you practice creativity in your everyday life?
In my everyday life I utilize creative problem solving, thinking of solutions to issues that come up on the job painting. I also draw and write every morning in my journal which is a really beautiful and refreshing way to start the day. When I tattoo I talk with people about their ideas, sketch, and freestyle on their body; it is a collaborative and creative practice.
Want to bring Liv to your school or community to create your own collaborative mural project? Reach out to book them for a program or look through our Artist Roster to find another Teaching Artist who meets your needs!
