Art & Life with Lisa Novak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Novak.

My father left when I was just an infant. Not having a father growing up was difficult. I had good and not-so-good experiences growing up, I made good choices and some not-so-good. I’ve done a lot of soul searching and deep healing from my past that has made me the person I am today. It’s an ongoing healing process. After a difficult period in my life, I re-discovered my love for photography in 2005. I attended a professional photography school in Pennsylvania for a year in 2008 and when I came home to AZ, I continued my photography and college courses. I loved learning and taking professional artistic portraits, photographing nature and abstract.

I discovered my love for botanical jewelry in 2010. Being able to capture a bit of nature and preserve it in resin is a lot like photography to me. I love doing new techniques and trying different kinds of art. I am a creator, I believe I was born to do this. It’s in my bones and in my blood.

My butterfly necklaces are very close to my heart, they are dedicated to my sister Sonia who passed away much too soon. The second butterfly I made was using blossoms from the peach tree that was planted in her memory. I made one for my mom, my sister and myself. Since then I have made several custom memorial and keepsakes. I use flowers, lace or special items my customers have saved from significant moments in their life which are immortalized in a beautiful piece of jewelry or decorative keepsake. It’s such a great feeling when my work helps others remember and cherish those special moments and loved ones.

Being creative and making beautiful things sets me free, it is my passion and my therapy. I feel so much joy when I create. It has helped me express myself and connect me with my true self while helping others.
It is my Passion of Light.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m an artist, jewelry designer, photographer and I am in love with creating beautiful things.

Creating art is something I have to do, a strong pull to share it with the world.

My work is influenced by nature and the world around me. All the beautiful colors, designs, textures and seasons.

I love to be in nature, observing the beautiful plants and flowers. It’s my happy place, my heart is filled with joy and warmth. Watching the magic unfold. Hearing the beat of a hummingbirds wings and the smell of spring. In a field of flowers or sitting by a stream, seeing the art all around me. It’s full of life, grace, beauty and wisdom. If you listen closely you can hear it’s song.

I create jewelry with dried and preserved flowers. I design them in various ways in silicone molds using epoxy resin. I also make other types of jewelry. I love gemstones and wire wrapping. I like to crush gemstones and put it in resin, it really enhances the beauty of the stone. My work is always evolving and changing. The possibilities are endless!

I love doing custom orders, whether it’s a piece of lace or a bouquet of flowers. I have created special wedding keepsakes using their own wedding flowers. I have also done several memorial keepsakes, ranging from jewelry to decorative crosses to hang on the wall. I feel so honored to create such special and meaningful pieces for people.

I recently started using alcohol inks in resin and it’s quite a lot of fun and very unique. I’d like to start doing large resin paintings and perhaps even tables.

Photography is also a love of mine. I love taking portraits of people, capturing the light that shines within, photographing the beautiful world around me exactly how I see it. One of my favorite abstract techniques is capturing lights in motion using a slow shutter speed and painting with light. My goal is to do even more professional portraits in the near future when my daughter starts school. I’m interested in fine art portraits, specializing in children and seniors.

I have so many interests that I can’t choose just one.

My hope is that my work serves as a reminder that we are all one, we are unique and beautiful. A reminder to love yourself and feel how beautiful you truly are. A light that shines within us all.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Always believe in yourself and never give up! Remember why you do what you do and how it helps others. You may need to do other work to supplement your income, and that’s okay, you can still work on what you really want to do. Even if it’s just a little bit each day, you are that much closer to your goal. Doing a little bit may not seem like much but all of that little bit adds up and you are so much further than you may realize.

I find that Instagram is full of inspiration and hope, there are many artists living their dream. Seeing that helps me know that I can do it too and it’s just a matter of time. There is power in positive thinking and manifesting what you truly desire.

Attending local events or having your work in boutiques/stores is also helpful. I believe we are all meant to do what makes us happy. Just keep doing what you love and everything will fall into place.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see more of my work on my Instagram/FB page at @passionoflight Follow me to see new art, discounts, giveaways and learn more about my creative life and process.

If you like my work and know others that may like it too, sharing with friends and family helps me tremendously. Following, commenting and sharing are really appreciated, as well as word of mouth.

I am in the process of having my work in local Phoenix boutiques, so be on the look out!

You can also see some of my work on my Etsy shop at passionoflight.etsy.com

Contact Info:

• Website: passionoflight.etsy.com
• Email: cre8beauty23@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionoflight/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.passionoflight/

Image Credit:
Personal portrait – Olga Morris – Editing – Michael Novak

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