Meet Solveig Noll

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Solveig Noll. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Solveig below.

Hi Solveig, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

Creativity blocks can be so challenging to overcome. One of the most transformative steps I take to avoid them is to prioritize rest, set healthy boundaries, and strengthen my trust muscle.

Reframing that rest is productive, and not “lazy,” completely changed my life. After going through a burnout that lasted years, first thing I had to do was recover, and step one was get enough rest! I also started a regimen of self-care rituals like meditation, an early bedtime, and journaling, all of which make me feel peaceful and restored.

Next is setting healthy boundaries. I do this by listening carefully to my intuition. This gets easier with practice, and I practice by responding to opportunities and invitations with my inner voice first. It should tell you “yes” or “no” right away.

Lastly, it’s all about trust. Strengthening your trust muscle is a dedicated practice. What helped me do this is being open to the ways of the universe I may never understand, but am grateful for nonetheless. It’s about being surprised by alchemy, and finding creative inspiration in unexpected ways.

When these elements come together, creative blocks are no longer something to be afraid of or ruminate on. They are just a signal that one of these pieces is out of balance. With this awareness, anything is possible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a visual artist and paralegal based in Vancouver, Washington. My origins as an artist began in childhood. As the daughter of a NOAA Corps officer, I learned to find spirit and connection in unique places across the United States. This experience influenced my art, leading me to paint “feeling” through a mix of color, illustration, and texture. In my paintings, I explore themes of travel, memory, and the feeling of place, reflecting my personal journey and inviting viewers to connect with their own emotions and experiences. I have previously exhibited work in San Diego, Seattle, Portland, and Camas.

I have upcoming art shows at Queer Plants Cafe, Portland, OR in November 2024, and Circle Round, Portland, OR in December 2024.

As a paralegal, I channel my passion for community care by helping the public navigate the legal system, providing compassion and support in adversity.

Alongside my art and career in law, I also create social media content featuring the Pacific Northwest wine industry, highlighting the stories behind viticulture and its environmental and cultural significance in the region.

My favorite mantra is to remember to love yourself and love the world, for nothing is a coincidence and everything holds significance.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Be Curious
2. Be Open
3. Be Mindful

Meditate, be a good listener, and try not to get hung up on making mistakes: it’s how we grow!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I hold immense gratitude for my family, partner, friends, community, and mentors. As humans we are social creatures, and saying the challenge you’re faced with “out-loud” makes it significantly less overwhelming or stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, or share what you’re going through.

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