Today we’d like to introduce you to Nossé Ovienmhada.
Hi Nossé, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Nossé and I create art for distraction and self-discovery. I founded NossbossCreations in 2014 and I am thankful for the support I have received over the years.
My fiber art journey started more than 20 years ago when my family immigrated from Nigeria to America. The move was difficult for me. At the time, my sweet 70-something-year-old neighbor baby-sit me while my parents were working. Her name was Ms. Mary, she was a Polish refugee (in a camp during WW2) and shared her love of crochet with me. Because of her, my interest in fiber art grew.
When I first started, my work was mostly crochet and knit. Then, in 2018 my little brother gifted me a Modern Macrame book for my birthday. 4 years later and I’m obsessed with all types of textile art using varying materials and fibers. With a peaked interest, I have spent the last few years exploring the textiles of my birthplace, Nigeria.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As an artist, I assumed my only job was to create. So, at the beginning I never put much thought into marketing and business planning, that was a mistake. I am now fortunate to have an amazing support team to guide me on the journey to growth. The road is never smooth, but you learn amazing things along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a textile artist based in Fort Worth. From my home studio, I create high-end, afro-contemporary art using natural fibers and other resources like cotton, wood, leather, and Nigerian fabrics. I am a seasoned crocheter but my latest work is mostly Macramé. Macramé is a form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or knitting) techniques.
My new designs from the Asoebi* and Adire* collection feature modern macrame knots styled with repurposed textiles and unique materials from my village in Nigeria. Aso Ebi sometimes spelt as Asoebi/Ashoebi by the Yoruba People of West Africa. Is a clothing that is traditionally by the Yoruba people as an indicator of Family, friends, and solidarity during ceremonies and festive periods. The purpose of wearing the dress can be to serve as self-identification with age mates, relatives, or friends during social occasions or funerals. These repurposed fabrics all have stories behind them. I love my culture and I am happy to share the beauty of my culture through my work.
My new collection consists of various sizes to fit the needs of an apartment or don the walls of a boutique hotel.
Any big plans?
My future vision is a me that still explores, still is imaginative but has reached a point where the world of money-making and freedom of my creativity have reached a pleasant and successful cohabiting place. I see myself doing solo exhibits, large-scale pieces, and teaching classes in my very own art studio. In 2o22, my goal is to explore more textile mediums to include in my work and inspire other emerging artists along the way. I hope you follow me on my journey.
Contact Info:
- Email: NossbossCreations@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NossbossCreations?ref=profile_header
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nossboss_creations/
