We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Noble recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I probably always knew. Like most creatives, I made art where I could. I drew a lot as a child and would create made up faces or try to draw people from memory. I’d use whatever I had; notebook paper, printer paper, actual drawing paper when I had access to it. In school, art was always the class I looked forward to because it was where I was most receptive and could pay attention the longest. It was like second recess to me. As I got into high school where I would have to be responsible for my own choices for my future, all I could think of is to follow the path of making art. Then going to into higher education, it was the only major that made sense for me. I knew I needed guidance on the possibilities of how or what I could create, or where my life could go. I knew I actually knew nothing and there is so much I can learn in a setting made to nurture the learning I craved. Even as people around me, especially parents not really trusting it was a solid path, I was sure that creating is something I will always do.
Creating and sharing my artwork is fulfilling for me and I wish this feeling on anyone. That you just do what you love in whatever fashion you can, you set your rules. I don’t think any artists career is normal or predictable, that’s how it can be fun and scary. It takes a specific drive I must’ve always had to still create as a core part of my life.

Brianna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Brianna Noble, an artist. I create figurative oil paintings. The essence of my work is an exploration of my experience in my body. It’s common, it really is. Black girls have always and will always exist, in all of our multitudes. I live by the quote, “An artist duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times” by Nina Simone. That quote is the first step that gets me to creating. I feel that I must do my part in making art with a purpose. I express what choices I make with my body, my life, my surroundings. This allows me to be able to explore what the future could be, what euphoria looks like, what world I want to see.

Sharing such personal art can feel nerve wracking but every time I get to and I speak with viewers I’m reminded what I create is useful and current. That my work is valid and is wanted in art spaces. I’m grateful to have had participated in my first show in the Harry Wood Gallery at ASU, had the opportunity to be a member of eye lounge in Downtown Phoenix, shown in Mexico, Arkansas, and Chicago, and am regularly exhibiting in galleries across The Valley. I’m very proud to have been a “Noteworthy Artist” in New American Painting West #156, went to a 3-week residency at Caldera Arts in Oregon and exhibited in Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Going out of state for a residency and being shown in a museum and magazine were on my list of huge goals and I’m grateful they’ve become a reality!

Most of all I’m proud that I continue to create and apply myself to potential opportunities. As a pretty introverted person, putting myself out there could make me anxious but I pushed myself to do it anyway because yes I could be denied but what matters is I learned the process so I can apply again and the next call isn’t as intimidating.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew how to store, install, and care for my art sooner. In other words- art handling. Maybe I missed out on it in class but there’s some basics that could be more about how to handle and maintain what we’ve created in the classroom. I’ve been grateful to be able to learn an immense amount of information working with a professional art handling company in town. For example, hanging on a wire is unnecessary, just use the d-rings. Spanning your artwork is crucial when storing canvas. Just putting pieces in plastic does a lot to protect them. There’s some simple and useful ways you can pack your art and materials to protect them.

The Art Resource Center in Tempe is an insanely great source for finding supplies and materials you were curious about or finding mediums you hadn’t thought of using. You donate what you feel is appropriate for what you’ve found and you can make donations of supplies you no longer use.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It may sound self-centered but having something that I, myself, Brianna, created is deeply rewarding. I put something into existence that exists without me. I get to see my history and my growth and learn from myself. Sometimes when I feel stuck I’ll look to my past work for inspiration and guidance.

It’s also very rewarding to be able to trade what I’ve learned along the way with other artists. Being part of a community that’s open to discussion is a great source of encouragement to collaborate ideas and explore each other’s potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.briannanoble.com/
• Instagram: @brianna.noble