Meet Ky Novak (She/Her) | Multidisciplinary Artist & Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ky Novak (She/Her) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ky, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking is a thrill for me. I love the energy that I feel when a new experience or a change in my life path sets in. Risk taking is not all sunshine and rainbows. Risk taking doesn’t come without its hardships and doubt, personal growth and introspection. Being curious and willing to take risks has led me to where I am today. Without it, I’d likely still be in the hometown I grew up in, I wouldn’t have traveled to the places I have experienced and the people I have met. My life would look 100% different if it were not for the risks I have taken in my life and my career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a multidisciplinary artist, I believe in putting creativity out into the world everyday and seeing the maker’s hand in the product of what is made. My brand, The Wavering Line, has evolved over the past several years and has allowed me to explore my artistic energy through jewelry design, murals, illustration and hand lettering. My work has been recognized for its minimalist shapes & color palettes, woodcut & graphic style illustrations, and mid-century modern vibes. I am most proud of finding my voice as an artist, the growth with my small business, and the connections I have made over the past few years. The Wavering Line has grown into a statement jewelry brand that reflects my style and the aspects of art making that I value: handmade qualities, sustainable practices, the artistic process, and human connection. The ebb and flow of success and failure, craft and handmade, and the patience it takes to make artwork that speaks to the soul comes with great highs and painful lows. My path to this point has not been a straight line. I started The Wavering Line in 2018 as a creative outlet, to overcome teacher burnout, and to put my artwork out into the world more publicly. Since 2018, I have adapted my work life balance many times to find what worked best for me and my family. From teaching full time, to part time, to leaving teaching altogether to a switch in career paths after nine years as a public school art educator… No, it has not been easy to get to where I am today professionally. Through it all, being open to change and taking risks has been a constant for me. Despite any setbacks, my hope is to always push forward, make progress, and adapt when life needs an adjustment. The Wavering Line embodies handmade at its core – seeing the maker’s hand in the product of what is made and doing so ethically. Form, function and sustainable practices are key to The Wavering Line brand philosophy. With minimalist + mid-century design influence, The Wavering Line pieces are meant to create confidence for the eclectic and empowered woman that marches to her/their own beat. Inviting individuality, The Wavering Line jewelry collections are a blend of sustainable statement pieces and functional art. The Wavering Line practices the art of sustainable, slow fashion. Using upcycled materials, reclaimed jewelry findings, and scraps whenever possible, The Wavering Line strives to be intentional with each piece, making it by hand and with heart collectively for the good of our planet.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooof! This is a hard one. There are so many great spots in this city and surrounding cities, too! In a world beyond the pandemic, I would love to take a visiting friend on day trips to local art museums, local breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, and beautiful hikes. Places listed are located in Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs.

Arts: Fort Collins Museum of Art, The Denver Art Museum, Loveland Museum Gallery, Street Art in Fort Collins, Loveland, Boulder and Denver.

Breweries: Jessup Farm Barrel House, Equinox Brewing, Odell Brewing Co.

Coffee: Alley Cat, Bindle Coffee, Mugs, Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House, Starry Night, Coffee Tree, Dark Heart Coffee Bar, Muse Coffee and Tea

Food: Cafe Mexicali, Tasty Harmony, Rainbow Cafe, Foco Doco, Little Bird Bakeshop, The Mishawaka, The Rabbit Hole, Henry’s Pub, Taqueria Rancho Alegre

Hikes/Outdoor Spaces: Arthur’s Rock, Maxwell Natural Area, Horsetooth Falls Trail, Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Garden of the Gods

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, I have a person. Or two… Or millions to thank! I want to give ENDLESS thanks to my love, my partner, Josh. He is a lovely human, the one I adore, the best thing I’ve done. He is my biggest cheerleader who has taught me so much about myself, life, partnership, and business. A shout out and MAJOR thanks to my mama, Trena. She’s my ride or die gal…always supporting my next ludicrous idea and asking how she can help to make it happen. And THANK YOU to all those that have ever believed in and encouraged me along the way.

Website: www.thewaveringline.com

Instagram: @thewaveringline

Other: Contact: hello@thewaveringline.com