Humdrum Artist Series: Nova Thoreen
Portraits by Sierra Skinner.
‘Humdrum’ is a series of profiles on twelve of Los Angeles’ finest up and coming multimedia artists, reflecting the roster of the group art show of the same name opening at des pair books in Echo Park on September 16th.
I don’t know if it needs to be said, but I’ll say it anyway: you should be at that opening. Not only because the art is good and worth finding parking, but because print is important, physical space is important, and supporting artists is important, and by attending, you knock out all three. Multimedia artist Nova Thoreen will be showing works that cross boundaries of sculpture, photography, collage, illustration, and all of which re-adapt form and media into new contexts. You should see some of that work.
How did you get started as an artist & how has your practice evolved to where you are now?
I’m self taught and started assisting artists in their studios early on. That led to me becoming a full time art handler. I had always made art but working in the field made it clear that it was possible. Having mentors is really important for me and with each new one I feel like I’m evolving.
How does your creative process usually start? Does a vision or motive come first or do you find the meaning/end point as you work?
I work mostly in found imagery or with things I see when I dream. I usually wait for something to jump out at me first. The meaning usually comes later, after a lot of time spent with the material.
Have there been any significant feelings, experiences, or themes that have influenced your work?
I’m interested in the brain and subconscious, specifically hypnagogia and oneirology.
Los Angeles is a particularly intense and often uncomfortable place to be operating in. Do you feel like this pressure of perception and competition has affected your work or identity as an artist?
It’s intimidating at times but also motivating, I often feel like the small fish in a big pond here. But whether it’s “my moment” or not, I just try to make good work.
What do you feel is lacking in the modern art scene and why?
Independence. Artists hang out with each other too much.
What role does technology play in your practice and how might that change over time?
I’m bad with computers, but you can’t avoid it much anymore. I’m learning but will stay at an arms distance for now.
Do you believe your work belongs to you or the viewer?
I’d say neither, it’ll belong to the decomposers when we’re both gone.
At what point do you believe a piece of work is ‘finished’?
Postmortem.
“Humdrum” Artists:
Opening September 16th, on view through December at des pair books Echo Park.
