Featured Artist Interview | Noah Winslow

We are pleased to spotlight Noah Winslow our January Featured Artist

540Gallery will showcase Noah’s photography | Saturday Jan. 12 | 11-2 PM

About Noah Winslow

 

When did you start your career as an artist?

NW: It all started when I got cut from the lowest level soccer team in the Brockport School District in 8th grade. I decided to join Cross Country and to make that whole long story short I became obsessed with running. Running year round by Junior year, one day I woke up with a little pain in my leg. It was the day of a 5K race, and I figured it would go away by the time we were warming up. Progressing to a limp throughout the day I still raced, but when I got off the ground to jog with my team I could not run. After multiple doctors and tests, they found a non-cancerous tumor in my femur and told me I needed surgery. For the next year I was pretty much out of commission athletically. I needed a new outlet, something fun to do and explore. Picture me trying to crutch down a hallway in my high school with a big honking DSLR camera from yearbook club strapped to my neck.  I started to learn more about photography from YouTube, and after I knew the theory behind it I decided to purchase my first camera.

Where did you get the inspiration for your work?

NW: The process of work makes me feel good. Sometimes I’m stuck inside all day and my camera forces me out. Sometimes I need to stay inside and reflect in my notebook. What most inspires me are my surroundings. My work tends to deal a lot with my experience of the time and place I’m in.

What makes you want to be an artist?

NW: Well I know I don’t want a 9-5 office job. I need connection with other people and I need to reflect on my experiences. Art provides both of those.

For you how does art relate to wellness?

NW: I do still go for runs most days to keep physically fit, but art keeps me mentally fit. To commit to a concept of a project and go out into the world to follow through with it makes me feel super productive and like I’m on the right path.

How do you stay healthy as a creative?

NW: I run most days, I have a 99.9% plant based diet, I drink a lot of water throughout the day, go for walks with my camera, try to have healthy options readily available while I’m working or heading out the door real quick.

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your career?

NW: Coming to terms with a need for balance between work and life was a big one for me in my first two years of college. This semester I reigned in the workload by only taking four classes. I took time to step away from schoolwork and art to maintain my sanity.

When you aren’t painting/drawing/photographing what are you doing?

NW: When I lay out my to do list there’s usually two categories: Art and Sustainability. Yes I want to become a better artist at school, but I want to become a better human too. I’m the Student Environmental Action League President at RIT and I work in the Sustainability office as Recycling Coordinator.

What is it that inspires you to keep going as professional artist?

NW: Since I’m just starting my career, I like to keep an open mind. I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I’m pretty convinced I won’t have to worry as long as I keep putting in work consistently on whatever I’m passionate about.

What are you working on now?

NW: The fall semester just ended! That means I can make my own mini project in the down time. Other than that, I’m working on the Colony project until all the students move out and the buildings are torn down.

What’s has been your best experience so far as an artist?

NW: The best moments for me are when I’m having a bad or off day, but then I get into the flow of writing or taking photos for hours. I come out so refreshed and ready for more life to happen.

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

NW: For the first two years of school at RIT I struggled with depression and anxiety. I just thought too much and stressed over things and never took time to have fun or connect to people around me. I could never commit to anything and I felt like if I wasn’t in the room no one would care. Right when I started reaching out to others for help is when it all turned around. I feel like I’m in such a better spot. I have a different mindset about work. I can slow down, and not everything I make has to be perfect or top the last one.

What advice do you have for others interested in pursuing as career in art?

NW: Get out of your head and back into reality. Don’t listen to other people’s comments on your work unless you ask their advice. Just keep working on what you’re passionate about.

Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?

• website: noahwinslow.myportfolio.com
• instagram: @noah_winslow
• email: ncw1577@rit.edu

 

Attend Noah’s opening reception

Saturday Jan. 12th // 11am-2pm //540WMain