Laura Nova, turning socially awkward moments, into fantastic works of art

LAURA NOVA uses a variety of media to investigate conventions of public and
private behavior, absurd moments of modern existence, and how various environments can become stages for social interaction. She states “my art work is based upon my observations of human actions in socially awkward situations.”

Tell us about yourself.

I use a variety of media to investigate conventions of public and private behavior, absurd moments of modern existence, and how various environments can become stages for social interaction.

How was your Art in Odd Places experience?

I enjoyed it. It was the first time I collaborated with a friend and artist Traci Talasco. We had a great time walking the 14th street commercial district, observing people running errands and talking to different vendors about our project.

Walk us through your thought process in creating your piece for Art in Odd Places.

It all started with this idea of introducing soap operatic musical scores to everyday life to make running errands dramatic and suspenseful. We spent a lot of time walking and talking, getting the lay of land. Then we drew up a storyboard and script which included points of interest identified along a map.

After that we made a lot of field recordings of the walk and a voice over of the narrative. The most fun was finding the soap opera music and fitting it into the story. The design for the project website www.dramaticpauseproject.com instructed participants to use their own portable devices to download mp3 files and a map to follow an interactive storyline in which the viewer becomes the subject of the drama.

Any words of wisdom for artists who are interested in becoming part of this year's Art in Odd places festival?

Mock up and test your idea at the site.

What projects are you currently working on and where can people reach you?

I am opening a solo exhibition at Real Art Ways in Hartford, CT on May 20th. I am creating an indoor running track constructed within the confines of the gallery walls. Visitors are encouraged to move through the space on this looped spectacle while a fire bell rings as they complete a lap. You can reach me by my website www.lauranova.com

Where were your performances along 14th Street?

Sites of the walking tour included the Union Square Farmer’s Market, Metro Drug, Jason’s Jewelry, Good Stuff Diner, Artie’s Hardware, and Rags-A-Go-Go.

Any final words?

Take advantage of this opportunity to make a public work in the center of NYC.