Today we’d like to introduce you to Noelia Towers.
Noelia, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Barcelona. I come from a low income, small and humble working-class family in a working-class neighborhood, which is something I take pride in. My parents realized that I had a strong passion for art from a very young age. I was always in my room, painting, drawing, reading books, coloring books, etc. Unfortunately, we were too poor to afford painting lessons.
After a lot of intense research, my mother heard of this social center in our neighborhood where they offered classes for dirt cheap, amongst many other activities for adults and kids. The center prioritized marginalized people, as well as handicapped, physically and mentally disabled individuals and kids from low income families, so it was perfect for us. I learned a lot, not only from my amazingly sweet teacher Adelaida but from my fellow mates who struggled with drug addiction, mental illness and some other life difficulties. I was only 6 when I started and I was too young to understand, but my years spent there unknowingly helped me shape my work and my personality. I was a child but always a good listener and those people made me grow into a very sensitive and caring person.
I quit going to there when I became an adolescent because, you know, I was too cool for art. Little did I know there’s nothing cooler than art. I studied at Escola Massana after graduating high school, one of the most important art schools in Barcelona and Spain. Last but not least, I moved to Chicago early in 2014 and it definitely was a turning point for my work and for me both as an artist and human being.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
To me art has always been a way to turn my ideas and thoughts into something visual, into something to illustrate my story with. An outlet, a way to express things that I could never put into words. My current work is very different from the work I used to do when I first decided I was going to take art seriously. I re-took painting when I was 16 and I haven’t stopped ever since, but when you look at my body of work through the years you can see all the changes I have been through.
I currently paint a lot of work inspired by my sexuality and the connection it has to my chronic illness. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2013 and it changed my life forever. It’s been a journey of self-acceptance and self-discovery and it can be seen in my paintings. I find inspiration in the role of women throughout history and mythology, BDSM, eroticism, fetish wear/gear like latex and leather and also by my muses, who are individuals I admire. I create visually appealing scenes and use them as the protagonists of the story I am trying to tell. I often use photography as a medium as well, and mostly paint from reference photographs, which allows me to add the realistic touch I desire.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Life is hard. I am not a trust fund baby and wouldn’t want it any other way. If you, like me, never had it easy to have access to the academic world and struggle on a daily basis to take space in the art scene to make yourself be seen and heard… I see you, and I feel you. You’ll find yourself working several jobs, hustling 24/7, living paycheck to paycheck. Life is hard and it only gets harder. Some days you’ll feel invincible, you’ll feel on top of the world, you’ll feel accomplished as an artist, but some other days you will want to quit and give up. You will feel worthless, creatively blocked, depressed and discouraged. Please, believe in yourself. Don’t lose the light that guides you. Listen to that quiet voice in your head that is always there, even when you’re clouded by dark thoughts, constantly pushing you towards becoming a better person, a better artist. Keep going. Keep creating. You are worth more than what you produce. Allow yourself to be weak. Quality over quantity. Self-love, self-care and patience are key. You and your work are loved and appreciated.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen on my Instagram @noeliatowers as well as my website www.noeliatowers.com
People can support my work by coming to my shows and by purchasing merchandise from my store www.noeliatowers.bigcartel.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.noeliatowers.com
- Email: hello@noeliatowers.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/noeliatowers
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/noelietowers
- Other: Www.noeliatowers.bigcartel.com
Image Credit:
Portrait of me by Nedda Afsari
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