Salutamu,
I’m Vyana Novus (they/them)—an ecological artist, mentor, and educator based in Ojai, California. I’ve studied many things, but nothing informs my work more directly than my lived experiences.
I lived through incredibly violent abuse throughout my childhood, while simultaneously learning to express myself in art therapy beginning when I was two. The experience of being in both the creative therapeutic container, and a horrifically violent home life, gave me footing in a resource that would come to save my life many times.
Living in this duality at such a formative age wired in me the awareness that art can be a tool that challenges the darkness of life.
Much of what I’ve studied has been in support of that.
My education history is long, so I’ll focus on just a few things here. I studied massage therapy at The National Holistic Institute, a trauma integration framework with The Center for Mind Body Medicine (CMBM) with Dr. James Gordon, and Expressive Trauma Integration (ETI) with Dr. Odelya Gertel Kraybill.
I began teaching yoga and meditation in 2012 after 9 years of personal study. In 2013, I opened an online school of energy medicine focused on developing one’s personal relationship to Source. There are many overlapping themes between what I taught then and what I teach now—the result in both being a deeper expression of who you are, and a deeper connection to all that is.
Along with my work in the healing arts, I’ve also studied many different art mediums and regularly continue my education in visual arts. I’m always taking a class or workshop. I studied color strategy with Lori Sawaya, refreshed my grapahic design foundations at The Florence Institute Of Design International, and have taken many different art & business courses locally and online.
Currently I’m in a 5 year study of the Person Centered Approach (PCA) model of facilitation. The work is rooted in Carl Roger’s psychology work, adapted for non-clinical settings. The first year of the program focuses on foundational relational skills grounded in the practice of Unconditional Positive Regard. The later 4 years is called ‘Leadership’ which specifically focuses on what it means to lead with regard for the whole person of the individuals in the room. Along with PCA, studying Transformative Justice with Mia Mingus shows up often in my facilitation and mentorship.
If you read my philosophy, you’ll hear many things I’ve integrated as a result of my studies.
Getting a late in life diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Synesthesia, and experiencing a near death experience (NDE) in 2018 also heavily impacts my work.
The more life I live, the more I want to learn and share as much as I can. Nothing delights me like the relational joy of connecting through our creativity to normalize the weight of Being Hueman.
More aspects of my life that inform my work:
Both the city where I grew up, and my ancestral island, once held industry and innovation that shaped the world, then crumbled. Witnessing this, living so intimately with it, has sharpened my lens on the fragility of culture and the power of community.
The ways I’ve tried and failed to fold Transformative Justice into the closest places of violence in my life. Learning the framework taught me so much. Failing to transform the conditions in which harm was created in my own life taught me far more.
Having a near death experience (NDE) and living with a chronic illness as a result. My NDE is present in everything I do. It has fundamentally changed the way I experience life in this body and on this planet.
My connection to my Ancestors and culture is rich. My relationship to my living family of origin is not. Being the retaining wall that holds back much of the intergenerational trauma I was given comes with many losses.
Being a single parent and being raised by a single parent.
My neurodivergent special interests and hyperfixations. You’ll see this on my blog where one day I’ll share a scientific study on neuroscience or psychology, then the next day some factoid about art & design.
The depth of platonic intimacy I (so gratefully) live with. I’ve learned so much through the love and security of these relationships, and they support so much of the work I create. All of this would not be possible without all of them.
My experiences growing up in poverty.
My time spent living in vastly different situations. I’ve lived without running water and electricity in off grid cabins, in community houses, in cities, in a van, and even in a friend’s kitchen. I love impeccably designed small homes and still see that for myself in the future.
The architecture and art I grew up surrounded by in Buffalo, NY. Frank Lloyd Wright, Frederick Law Olmsted, meticulously detailed Victorian homes, and abandoned spaces that once housed great wealth were commonplace in my childhood. The fine art of the Albright Knox (where I interned as a teenager) and Burchfield Penny Art Galleries, with my time exploring early 1900s micofilm while working in my University library formed so much of my aesthetic.
Testimonials
“...Vyana has the makings of a dangerously successful cult leader.”
— John, @dying_gaul
“Vyana leads in a gentle and powerful way that makes you feel so understood and loved. Their presence is truly magical.”
— Sofie Lynn, Past Student in San Francisco, California
“Vyana is a true visionary. As a Creative Director, they possess an exceptional eye for aesthetics, effortlessly curating a visual narrative that seamlessly blends fashion, art, and storytelling. Their ability to think outside the box and elevate my ideas to new levels of refinement and clarity has resulted in projects that leave a lasting impact with unparalleled beauty.
I have complete trust in Vyana as a Creative Director, as they not only understand and respect my vision, but also have the ability to surpass my expectations and bring it to life in ways I could have never imagined.
Vyana’s expertise and direction allowed me to fully surrender my project into their capable hands, knowing they would bring out the best in every aspect. It’s a privilege to work with someone who can transform ideas into stunning realities.”
“Vyana somehow combines spontaneous mystic artist with an exacting precision and organizing guidance in a way I’ve almost never seen. Way more than an Instagram strategy, Vyana helped me touch into the core heart of my business and brand, and set me up to work from that place.”
“Vyana's energy is ancient and calming. They radiate love, but are still firm. They guide you where you need to go to get real with yourself in order to experience true growth. I can’t say enough amazing things about them.”
— Elizabeth Lane, Past Student in Portland, Oregon
“Vyana is pure beauty and brilliance, and I have never met another soul like them.”
— Jill Shapiro, Past Student in New York, New York
“Vyana is such a powerful light in this world.”
— Michelle Black, Past Student in London, England