It’s nice to meet you! My name is Isabella Ourada, though I usually go by Izzy. I’m a queer fiber/mixed media artist born and raised in South Carolina, but I have been living in North Carolina since I graduated high school in 2022. Much of my life has been defined by self- discovery. Discovering my identity, discovering ways to get through the day despite my setbacks, and discovering ways to express myself. Art was there for it all, helping me come out of my shell and opening doors for me that would have otherwise been closed. I began by painting under the guidance of my grandmother and it remains as one of my favorite art mediums. I took a leap of faith when I decided to begin working with fiber, joining Haywood Community Colleges’ fiber program despite never having worked with it before. The following 2 years were some of the best years of my life and opened my eyes to the often- underrated world of fiber art. I currently spend my days assisting my grandparents, loving on my dogs, and eagerly developing my skills as an artist.
Many describe art as another language, a way to speak about aspects of people and their lives when words fail. This concept, allowing people to feel heard in a world full of noise, is the driving force behind my work. I primarily work with fiber and paint, though I dabble in many other art mediums as I add in whatever materials I believe will accurately portray my vision for a specific piece. I draw inspiration from memorable moments from my life and others’ lives, focusing on the powerful emotion that were felt. We are emotional beings after all, an untapped source of unity I plan to convey with my work. My experiences as a queer person especially influence my creative process, as well as the messages I intend to communicate to viewers. I intend to give all types of emotions and experiences a physical form, helping to ensure everyone can see themselves represented amongst my creations.