Artist Series: Connie Noyes

Located right off the red line at Cermak/Chinatown, is where I found Chicago-based artist, Connie Noyes and her spacious studio.  Even with high ceilings, great views, and numerous works-in-progress - my attention was grabbed by one thing - materials.  Moving from art therapy to photography,  Noyes found her niche in the materiality of installation art.

Recognizing her move to Chicago as the start of her use of bright pink, Noyes has effortlessly evolved as an artist of, and for, her medium. Giving much praise to 1970's artist Agnes Martin and the daily, abstract situations life puts her in - Noyes is a true eccentric, and her art is no exception.  

Connie giving Sydney a peek of her new digital photomontages

Exhibiting her newest installation work at the "Chicago's Twelve: Twelve Artists Mobilizing the Earth - Garfield Park Conservatory" (with Kim Guare!)  Connie is excited (and undoubtedly ready) to take her art into a new visual environment.  However, from personal experience in her studio, it seems that the environment is irrelevent - as Noyes's works pull you in through intricate details, and multiple layers - sending the viewer into a chaotic, and beautiful, perceptual crisis.

With a drive that leaves her constantly in search of more materials to fall in love with, and one of the most open-minds in contemporary art to vibrant color palettes, Noyes is not only proud of her usage of pink, but is on the hunt to encourage fellow artists and designers alike to join in as well, with her mission/blog onemillionpink. 

As an art historian, I am at times torn at technological advancements and their effect on art.  Often, I find myself believing that the materiality of art (not its content) has suffered for our technophilic ways.  My meeting with Connie was a humble reminder that visual artists are still concerned with their process, and materials - and I am truly grateful.

Connie's constant work-in-progress that she uses to vent frustrations on

Join her cause, if you're an artist or designer! In the Pink - the 1,000,000 people art project

If not, then definitely take a look at her other works here.