We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ky Novak (she/they). We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ky below.

Ky, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning my craft has been over 15 years in the making. Practice, failure, feedback, exploration, vulnerability…These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think about how I have learned the skills I hone nowadays.

Knowing what I know now, I don’t think “speeding up” my learning process would have benefited me in any way. Yes, taking more classes, going to more workshops, paying more money for different tools, etc. could all have been avenues for me to speed up my learning process, but I learn best when given the chance to do things at my own pace. I thrive on repetition and I am not in any hurry to do something just to check it off my list. I want to do things right the first time versus having to re-visit something because I rushed through it too quickly. We live in a society that wants instant gratification, but I don’t jive with that mindset. I am patient and I tend to march to the beat of my own drum. I think experience is valuable and that gaining experience with your craft takes time. I think the pace at which I have come to my current skillset is what makes me who I am and how I approach my craft/artwork.

Being a multidisciplinary artist, my skillset is multifaceted. In my opinion, patience, editing, and taking breaks were and are some of the most essential skills in learning the craft. To master these is nearly impossible, but to put them into practice can change the way you think, see, feel, and move within your craft.

Obstacles are no doubt a constant for any artist. I feel grateful for my education and the experiences I have had thus far. As a former art educator, I always try to position myself to learn more, ask more questions, be in more vulnerable spaces. Learning never stops for me; I am a forever student. However, these days, I’d like to think that internal battles are more pressing obstacles for me to learn more than those of the tangible nature. Imposter syndrome is real, putting your work out into the world where folks can clap back at the work you do is real, and the self-talk of “not being good enough” are all examples of mental/less tangible obstacles that float around in my head and exist for me as obstacles on a daily basis.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Although I have identified as an artist for almost two decades, 2023 marks the fifth year since I started my brand, The Wavering Line. Since then, so much has changed for me personally and with the artwork I create. As we evolve, so do the things around us. These days, my art discipline embodies many artistic skills, but graphic design, painting murals, and creating jewelry with mixed media (mostly clay, fibers + mixed metals) are at the forefront currently. The latter being the main focus of The Wavering Line.

The Wavering Line embodies handmade at its core—seeing the maker’s hand in the product of what is made and doing so ethically. Form, function and sustainable practices are key to The Wavering Line brand philosophy. With minimalist + mid-century design influence, The Wavering Line pieces are meant to create confidence for the eclectic and empowered individual that marches to their own beat.

Inviting individuality, The Wavering Line jewelry collections are a blend of sustainable statement pieces and functional art. The Wavering Line practices the art of sustainable, slow fashion. Using upcycled materials, reclaimed jewelry findings, and scraps whenever possible, The Wavering Line strives to be intentional with each piece, making it by hand and with heart collectively for the good of our planet.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think a thriving creative ecosystem includes breaking the stigma of the “starving artist”. It’s 2023, and it’s time society (especially Americans) start respecting the craft. i.e. paying artists/creatives for their work and not taking advantage of those that have creative talent.

Surviving the current economy is hard enough. PAY ARTISTS. HIRE ARTISTS. Doing something for the *exposure* is not respecting the artist or their craft.

Hire BIPOC creatives. Hire LGBTQ+ creatives. Hire the underdog artist instead of the hotshot artist that gets every job.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The story of how I built my audience on social media is simple. I built it slowly and simply. I focused on quality photography and styling and I did it on my terms. I didn’t let the number of “likes” or followers take control.

Early on, I let the pressure of posting daily consume me and that was the wrong approach. Maybe that worked for the algorithm, but for my time and mental health, it wasn’t worth it. These days, I post when I want to, not because an algorithm tells me I need to do it more.

I would encourage anyone starting to build their social media presence to do so in a way that feels right for you. If you want to post daily, do it. If you want to create static photography instead of reels, do it. Be you and don’t let the pressures of social media take over.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thewaveringline.com
• Instagram: @thewaveringline
• Other: www.everywhereisqueer.com/map

Image Credits
Ky Novak