Interview: Siku Novak

Today we’re joined by Siku Novak. Siku is a phenomenally talented illustrator from Germany. She has an interest in gloominess and her work is reminiscent of Gothic horror. There’s a compelling eeriness to the images she sent to go with her interview. Aside from her artistic endeavors, Siku has also started a German/English website dealing with aromanticism and asexuality. Judging from her email, Siku is incredibly passionate and it really shows in her interview. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

My name is Siku Novak and I am a 21-year-old illustrator from Germany with a love for melancholy and the macabre.

What inspires you?

I have always been intrigued with a dark and melancholy subject matter. I guess this comes  from my obsession with Gothic horror fiction and medieval tarot cards. I also think that I’ve always empathised with the characters of Gothic fiction because they often tend to be misfits and outcasts – I sometimes feel out of place due to my romantic and sexual orientation as well. I strive to evoke a narrative that concerns these characteristics within my work.

Symbolism for my illustrations comes from childhood dreams and fertile imagination that carried itself into adulthood. Dreams can cast a peculiar glow on the way you see the colors of reality. They are a great source of inspiration and always provide new atmospheres, settings and characters for the ones who are willing to explore the depths of human consciousness.

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I participated in the advanced art course during school and finished my degree in art history last year. There is a high chance that being always surrounded by artists contributed to my love for the arts. But I never sought to become a professional artist.

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?

I am fascinated by the various shapes of the moon, that’s why I like to include references to the sentinel of the night in my artwork. If you take a closer look on my illustrations, you will discover quite a lot of moon-shaped forms.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

As an artist you have to define the thin line between inspiration and imitation. Being a good imitator of someone else doesn’t make you a good artist. Be creative and original and stick to your own imagination!

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify as an aromantic asexual.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

Whereas asexuality is acknowledged a valid sexual identity within the asexual community, aromanticism is often neglected, even by alloromantic asexual spectrum people! In the past I have experienced a lot of aromantic erasure moments too numerous to list them here. My way to handle this is to inform people and to spread awareness around aromanticism on my newly founded website.

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

The most common misconception about asexuality (and aromanticism) is the frenetic search of pathological causes by allosexual people in order to “cure” this “disease”. Asexuality is no disease but a valid sexual orientation!

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

There is considerable diversity among the asexual community. Don’t hesitate to identify as asexual because other asexuals experience things a little different or because people tell you that you can’t be asexual. You should relate to your own feelings, this is the best way to discover the truth about your sexual orientation.

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

If you want to keep in touch with me, you may visit my blog We are the misfits (www.aromantik.de) featuring information and essays on asexuality and aromanticism. Illustrations dedicated to these orientations are included in the art area.

*Siku also has a DeviantArt page: http://melancholita.deviantart.com/

Thank you, Siku, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.