After earning degrees in biochemistry and environmental science, Noelle spent years working in a tech-based conservation role. She believed in the mission—but felt disconnected from the day-to-day reality of the job. Despite a decade of investment in her science career, she made a bold decision to walk away without a backup plan.
She knew what she wanted.
What followed was a creative reinvention grounded in purpose. She didn’t just start painting—she treats each body of work like a project. That mindset, carried over from her days as a scientist, has become the foundation of her thriving career.
In this episode of The Art Biz—the first of a two-part conversation—Noelle and I talk about:
- Why she left science without knowing what was next
- How she structured her first creative projects before she ever sold a painting
- The deep connection between research, storytelling, and her visual work
- Her process behind Tracking Time, a solo museum exhibition about the Colorado River
- What it is like to collaborate with curators and institutions
- Why she prioritizes both meaning and beauty in her work
Noelle’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s no single formula for success as an artist. But having a strong vision—and following it with courage and purpose—can open doors you didn’t even know existed.