LRA: What project if any has been the most difficult?
Noah: The most difficult project was creating the Budweiser ad for the "Dem Jeans" music video for Chingy, but lately it's been painting the mural on the bottom of the pool on MTV's Rob and Big. That thing was challenging because it began to rain, the project had to be done within hours and things were a hassle with logistics. The result was great and we had a huge response with our collectors and the public. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with MTV. Rob and Big are characters; a lot of fun to be around.
LRA: How did you start doing work for Disney?
Noah: Disney was and is still a blessing. They allowed me to do my own style of art with their characters. It's a blast. I enjoy continuing the magic of Walt's dream and being a part of something so special. It really brings me back to being a kid. Great memories.
LRA: What, if anything, do you consistently draw inspiration from?
Noah: My relationship with Christ is hands-down the most important thing in my life and reason for being. He reminds me how much He loves me through my wife and our children. I have the privilege of spending time in the studio at home and watching the kids grow up. It allows me each and every day to be with my wife and drive the kids to school. My inspiration comes through daily experiences and my pursuit of Christ's character. There are days that are extremely challenging with certain projects or paintings, but it's on these days that I get to learn more about myself and what God wants to accomplish through me. I want to make my life about helping Him accomplish His plan.
Most people are too busy hoping and asking that He "blesses" their plans, dreams and hopes. Eventually, they will realize dreams, hopes and plans are in vain without God being involved. God gave each of us purpose and a calling designed specifically for each of us that no one else can fulfill. My hope and prayer is to impact the lives of people with whom I come in contact with who buy or experience the art. Each painting is an opportunity to show people a hope in Christ and that life can be so much more if you surrender your life over. Paintings like "The Invitation" and "Exhale" are just a couple of examples.
Every human being is designed with a place in their souls that only God can fill. However, God usually is moved out and people try to fill that void with "something else." It might feel fulfilled for a moment, but always comes up short and empty. My hope is to encourage and to let others know of "the good news" through my art and relationships. Following Christ is a path that leads to a peace that surpasses all understanding. Think about it, if you could have fixed yourself and your life, you already would have. How's it working out for you?
LRA: In what ways do you stretch yourself to make your work grow?
Noah: An important way to stretch myself is to make each painting different than the last and to not fall into a comfort zone. A lot of artists paint one subject, one medium and one style. I like so many different materials and looks that I like to change it up. Also, I believe it allows me the chance to reach different industries and types of collectors.
LRA: Who in the art scene are you a fan of?
Noah: Now that's a huge question. Are you talking both living and deceased artists? One of the most talented individuals to ever grace the planet earth has to be my friend OG Abel. He's one of the few artists I know who lives in his head a similar world as mine: one we created but can bring forth in our work. Most artists replicate or copy a picture. My favorite stuff is out of the imagination and originality of their personality. Abel is hands-down one of the best. That's probably why I had him completely design and create my entire right arm sleeve tattoo. It's my personal life testimony. He brought it to life.
In return, I painted him a 6-foot painting which was a memorial to his young kid brother who was shot and killed. This painting is the cover piece of this magazine called "The Hurting." I'm also a huge fan of Bob Elias (my dad; check out his work at bobeliasstudios.com), Rick Griffin, John William Waterhouse, Rick Reitveld, Franco Vescovi (that fool is nutty with a tattoo machine), Chuy (Tattooland), Big Chuy (Mentally Twisted), Craig Fraser, Norman Rockwell, Gil Bruvel, Gil Elvgren, George Hurrell, "Cartoon," Dezeinswell and many others.
LRA: Do you have any new projects coming up?
Noah: I have a ton. More paintings for the galleries, creating for Arturo Fuente Cigars, Disney. I'm really excited more than anything about my new metal hologram paintings. I started painting on metal with this process 12 years ago, but technology didn't allow a way to produce limited edition prints. This year, we released the first prints now available. They're on metal and move as you walk through a room. Limited edition prints are now made in small editions.
LRA: We saw the mural that you did in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Is there a store coming soon?
Noah: The relationship with Hard Rock is wonderful. We have a lot of ideas brewing.
LRA: Where can our Arte readers see more of your work?
Noah: We are in various galleries around the world, but the best and most current info and new work can be found at the website www.noahfineart.com.