Drawing Icons, Breaking Rules: Inside Noli Novak’s Radical Journey -WNL- 2025

From the iconic pages of The Wall Street Journal to underground punk stages and now transforming Jacksonville’s creative landscape Noli Novak has done it all.In this episode of The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast, hosts Tracy Rigdon and Charles Gaskins dive into Noli’s extraordinary journey. Born in Yugoslavia, she navigated political upheaval and cultural shifts before landing in the U.S., where she carved out an unexpected career illustrating some of the world’s most powerful figures. But Noli is more than just an artist; she’s a musician, a disruptor, and a relentless force for creative expression. Takeaways • Noli grew up in Yugoslavia, a diverse and complex society. • Her upbringing influenced her views on gender equality in music. • She transitioned from music to art after a car accident. • Noli's work at the Wall Street Journal was serendipitous. • She had been with the Journal for over 36 years. • Noli is now semi-retired but still freelances. • Her music career included touring and signing with a label. • The challenges of touring as a woman in a band are significant. • Noli values the community aspect of her art. • She aims to enjoy life and have fun in her retirement. Noli Novak discusses the renovation of a warehouse (Unicat) into a creative space. • The journey of finding a suitable location for artistic expression was challenging. • Unicat aims to be a hub for artists and musicians. • The nearby cemetery holds historical significance and offers a serene environment. • Jacksonville has unique cultural offerings that are often overlooked. • Noli emphasizes the importance of community in the arts. • The Treaty Oak is a notable landmark in Jacksonville. • Noli's heritage is represented through the Glagolic alphabet on his shirt. • The conversation highlights the intersection of art and history. • Noli invites the community to visit the new space on April 6th.🎙️ The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast: Random. Relevant. Real. 🎙️Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! We're here to challenge your perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and maybe even make you laugh along the way.🚀 Don't Miss Out on Future Episodes!Hit that SUBSCRIBE button now on YouTube and Spotify to join our growing community of free thinkers. Your voice matters here! 🌟 Engage With Us:

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