Rayna Noel
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| All images are courtesy of the artist |
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| Rayna Noel |
I am from Johnstown, PA. I am the Assistant Director of the
Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in Johnstown since May 2024. I teach fiber arts, work on artistic programming, and secure funds through fundraising and grant writing.
I also run a small business called Fibra Obscura selling custom fiber art creations.
Rayna - I'm delighted to have you here today. Let's jump in-
What do you love about making art?
I love the feeling when inspiration hits and making ideas come to life. It gives me a sense of wonder and accomplishment.
How do you evaluate your work
Most of the time it takes me a while to like what I make. I do not sell anything that is not to my high standards which means tight stitches and no possibility of falling apart or degrading quickly.
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Where is your studio, and what is your primary work area?
I have a home studio in my attic and I do most of my work sitting on the couch.
What clues or questions do you use to select an idea to invest time and resources?
I have been following a certain aesthetic. Currently I have been crocheting cryptids and needle felting anatomical body parts. I like the creepy things.
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About your work: what do you hope people notice the most?
I hope they notice the emotion that goes into it and the quality and care with which it is made.
"Everything is art to me. How you decorate your house, how you prepare food, how you dress yourself, etc, it’s all art" - Rayna
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Romance movies/novels
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How do you define success as a creative? How do you hold yourself accountable?
Success is having the time and energy to create and I usually have deadlines so those hold me accountable.
When do you discuss things with your inner critic?
Once I finish a piece discussing what I may change or tweak.
Who are your creative influences, and whose work are you admiring now?
There is a series of garments and dresses with red blood wound stains made with embroidery and embroidered beads I found while searching for a concept. I love the addition of the sparkle from the beads so my most recent pieces include bead embroidery. Audrey Montoya, a fiber artist, inspired me to make unconventional things.
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How can people follow you and your work?
I am on Facebook and Instagram:
facebook.com/fibraobscura
instagram.com/Fibra_Obscura
What would you like people to know that I haven't asked?
Everything is art to me. How you decorate your house, how you prepare food, how you dress yourself, etc, it’s all art. There are creative decisions made even in the day to day.
Rayna - Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. I can totally relate to working on the couch! We're rooting for you. Come back and let us know any updates: shows, events, new work, anytime!
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