This month, we present:  NOBLE A POWELL III (aka Ace). 

Q. When did you fall in love with the arts?

NP: I have been interested in art since a very young age. I have drawings I did when I was 3 years old. I really "fell in love" in the 7th grade though. I began taking private lessons from a wonderful woman, Mrs. Hackett. She ran a toy store in town and gave lessons in the back.

Q. Who and What inspires you?

NP: Everything is of inspiration to me. Usually the un-noticed texture of an old wall or an overgrown garden. People are also fascinating to me. The way a slight movement of an eyebrow can convey a completely different mood. Positive attitudes inspire me; I stay away from negative people. I think one's life is fed by these powers and stagnate if left to the negativity some emit.

Q. What is your definition of art?

NP: Art is a form of expression for me. It can be produced in any method imaginable.

                                        

Q. Some say that art communicates, strives to communicate to its audience. What are your paintings whispering in our ears?

NP: I hope my Abstract Expression work emits a feeling or emotion to the viewer. Sometimes warm, sometimes frightening, sometime ambivalent. I work closely with my portrait clients to portray the emotions they feel for the subject. I think this aspect of living portraits is what makes them so breathable.

Q. Who is your ideal audience?

NP: Anyone who appreciates art or is interested in learning about art.

Q. What is your favorite shape?

NP: A circle.

Q. What has been your favorite museum exhibition?

NP: The MET in New York

Q. Do you have a memory of your first museum visit?

NP: The first museums I visited were as a child, probably around 7 or 8 years old. I took a train ride to San Francisco with my Grandma. We stayed at the Sir Frances and walked all over China town and visited museums and galleries.

Q. What, if anything, are you currently obsessed with?

NP: Finding a way to paint full time.

Q. Do you collect art?

NP: Yes, I don't have a large collection but I do appreciate all forms of art and I like to have it around me.

Q. Where were you born?

NP: I was born in Oxnard, California.

Q. Does your family, has your family influenced you as an artist? How?

NP: My Mom and Dad have always been very supportive of my art. They were confident enough to put me through many years of school and always encouraged me to do what I wanted to do as a career. They continue to appreciate my art, (even if sometimes they don't understand it).

Q. What are you currently reading?

NP: Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by John Krakauer

Q. What does it mean to you to be an Artist In Residence at SCIART?

NP: The aspect of being an artist can be a lonely one if one works in a studio alone and only deals with gallery buyers and clients. The energy and feedback I receive from my fellow Artist In Residence is what I appreciate most.

Q. Any of your own exhibitions you would like to talk about? Or a favorite?

NP: My show that is running currently at the Studio West location is my current favorite. John McCarthy's art works really well with mine. It is very rewarding to see the work on the walls and get such positive feedback from the community.

Q. Have I left anything out that you would like to address?

NP: It has been a pleasure to serving as President for the past 2 years. I leave the position in very capable hands and look forward to the future.

Thank you!! It has been a privilege to have Mr. Powell as SCIART's President, we have made great strides with Noble at the helm.