All Roads Lead to Art

By Gray Wright

The following interview has been edited and condensed.

What does art mean to you?

“Everything. Art means everything to me. Art is the way of life, I think.” Noa says, He continued, “Art builds up who you are, who I am, who my neighbor is, who your neighbor is—even if it’s subconscious. I think it makes people much more mindful of the world around them. Artists tend to be more aware and observant of the world. I think art also allows for connection with the world and society as a whole. Artists can make and do and say whatever they want, whenever they want. Art can reach just about anyone, from any background; people can find something in common with nearly every piece of art, I think. Art forms community. Art allows for a constant state of bettering oneself and bettering one’s understanding of everything. Art, to me, is the foundation for everything.”

One of the most interesting things about a person I believe is their hobbies, which always in one way or another, make you who you are. Among the many hobbies Noa Shively (He/They/She) has; the one I’m by far the most intrigued by is, art. Noa is a senior (’26) at NSA in the Visual Art Conservatory, whose self-description I agree with wholeheartedly: “I think I have introverted tendencies when I first meet someone, then I sometimes get really loud once I’m comfortable. I think of myself as a very honest person and that can be both good and bad, depending on the situation. I tend to be self-critical, like most other teenagers.”

What is something doing art has taught you about yourself?

“I think my art has taught me to be more emotionally aware, on so many levels. Of course, on a personal level, I can recognize my own feelings and find a way to express them in ways I might struggle with had I not spent years making art. But, also on a community level, I can recognize other people’s feelings, as well. Though I will say, even if I notice something about someone’s feelings, I will not always act accordingly—simply because I value direct communication so much. Generally speaking, I think my art and my ability to be emotionally aware also help me with my patience; my art has taught me the value of patience and being able to sit with something long term (even if I tend to be very impatient sometimes).”

Noa’s day-to-day is just the same as anyone else’s, with only the exception of the recognition of the presence of art in their life. He talked to me about some normal Noa happenings, like:

Getting ready: “My favorite part of my day-to-day life is probably the process of getting ready. I sound like a very cliche teenage girl saying this, but I just enjoy listening to music and finding what outfit feels the most like “me” that day.”

Driving: “Generally speaking, on school days, my favorite part of my day is the drive to school. I listen to my music and blast the air conditioning, even in the Winter. It sounds boring but I think I like it because it gives me time to think about everything. It can be very relaxing and almost therapeutic—so long as I don’t let the bad Nashville drivers tick me off.”

Music: “I also like listening to music and going to shows... when I have money. I tend to lean toward emo or punk-adjacent genres. I use those terms very loosely.”

I personally have attended various shows with Noa, and I can say that it’s always a good time no matter the band or venue. Some of the notable show memories I have with Noa involve a screamo band by the name of Could Be Better. (2023-2025). Every time I saw CBB, it was with Noa, and now the band is split permanently. So now whenever I think of them, I’ll forever think of Noa. Continuing, he adds onto previous words about music saying: “I used to be really into My Chemical Romance. I think they’re still my favorite band, but I don’t spend anywhere near the same amount of time consuming media surrounding them. I also admit that I don’t listen to them nearly as much as I used to. I will say that I do still listen to their first album very frequently, it's my favorite album of all time. My favorite track is track five, “Our Lady of Sorrows.” I’d say the band is more of a comfort than a favorite interest. I’m not sure I have a real “favorite interest” now.” 

Despite all these things, art still plays a significant role in their daily life. Not only by being something that they’re surrounded by constantly, regardless of whether by choice or not, but also something that holds value to them. For them, art is the foundation of their life. Everything else is simply a bonus.

You are an AP art student, why did you decide to take the class?

“I was fascinated with the idea of choosing a “theme” or “inquiry” to make tons of artworks for. I guess I thought the idea of making a thematic portfolio was really cool. At the time, I was also teetering between if I wanted to major in English or Art in college; so, I decided to take upper levels of both classes, just in case I changed my mind. Over Summer break, I made my decision, and I haven’t had any second guesses. Once the school year started, I think this class just made me feel extra sure about my choice. AP Art is probably my favorite class I’ve ever taken—if not, it’s for sure in my top three.”

What is something that has surprised you with your art recently?

“I am beyond surprised that I decided to switch to pen as my main tool for my AP Art portfolio. Last school year, I was dead set on using acrylic paint because I was having so much fun in my painting class. I still love acrylic paint, but I rediscovered a love for ink that I haven’t taken advantage of in years. I made the switch to ink rather abruptly, but I have absolutely no regrets. I threw myself for a loop, though.”

What is something you live by?

“I don’t think I really live by anything. I feel like typically, people have quotes prepared or memorized for questions like this. I think life and the human mind are too complicated to simply live by a single quote. Though, I will share my favorite line from my favorite song; “Oh, how wrong we were to think that immortality meant never dying.” I wouldn’t say I live by this, by any means, however, I do think about it sometimes.” (My Chemical Romance’s, Our Lady of Sorrows.) “The reason I’ve wanted to be a teacher for so much of my life is because teachers form children. I’ve had so many great teachers in my lifetime and I want to be that for someone. They have left a lasting impact on me. I think this quote shows the importance of that impact. You can be immortal, though not in a literal sense. You can live forever in the minds of other people—you can be the change or the light in a dark place. The ability to help, love, and impact others makes you immortal.”

Art is what you make it; and for Noa, he made the most of it. Everything you know makes you into who you are, and the people you meet along the way will stick with you forever. “Once I graduate, I’m going to attend Austin Peay State University and major in Art Education. My goal is to become an elementary school art teacher!” Noa is living proof that in the end, all roads lead to art.