Isabella Ourada
Pansexual Pride Bunny, Fiber
It's nice to meet you! My name is Isabella Ourada, though I usually go by Izzy. I'm a queer fiber/mixed media artist born and raised in South Carolina, living in North Carolina since I graduated high school in 2022. Much of my life has been defined by self-discovery — discovering my identity, ways to get through the day despite my setbacks, and ways to express myself. Art was there for it all, helping me come out of my shell and opening doors that would have otherwise been closed. I began by painting under my grandmother's guidance, and it remains one of my favorite mediums. I later took a leap of faith into fiber, joining Haywood Community College's fiber program despite never having worked with it before — two of the best years of my life, which opened my eyes to the often-underrated world of fiber art. I currently spend my days assisting my grandparents, loving on my dogs, and developing my skills as an artist.
Many describe art as another language, a way to speak about people and their lives when words fail. This idea — letting people feel heard in a world full of noise — drives my work. I primarily work with fiber and paint, though I dabble in other mediums, adding whatever materials I believe will best portray my vision for a piece. I draw inspiration from memorable moments in my life and others', focusing on the powerful emotions felt. We are emotional beings, an untapped source of unity I aim to convey through my work. My experience as a queer person especially shapes my creative process and the messages I intend to communicate. I strive to give all kinds of emotions and experiences a physical form, so everyone can see themselves represented in my creations.
