ARTIST OF THE MONTH: NORAH SHOEMAKER
FEBRUARY 2, 2026
Written by Shauna Gentile
Images Sourced by Norah Shoemaker
PETTY Magazine is kicking off 2026 with a new monthly series - aiming to highlight talented artists of every genre, beginning with February’s Artist Of The Month, Norah Shoemaker. This month's spotlighted artist is a multi-talented, multi-media artist whose meaningful collages’ transcend across generations. Based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, Shoemaker began honing in on her craft as a young teen. Her ability to create polished work with significance demonstrates a clear distinction of high quality craftsmanship, showcasing a truly bright future ahead for this early career artist. We had the opportunity to sit down and discuss artistic practices, inspirations, and meaning with the up and coming artist.
PETTY: Tell us a little bit about yourself as an artist and your work?
SHOEMAKER: I’m currently a senior in Highschool. I have two sisters and I'm the middle child. I grew up in a super creative household. My mom is a graphic designer and has been making art ever since I was little. When I was little my grandma inspired me a lot to continue to make art and I would make art with her.
PETTY: When did you begin working on your craft?
SHOEMAKER: I started making collages in 2023 when my drawing and painting teacher assigned it as a homework assignment. I was unsure if I was going to like it, but ever since then I have been making collages. I started doing a magazine collage with markers and colored pencils. [I] then figured out collaging didn't just have to be with magazines, and tried doodling and drawing in the background. I have improved so much since then trying to make collages have a theme,... or color scheme.
PETTY: Do you have a process when it comes to creating your work? If so, what does it look like?
SHOEMAKER: When I'm collaging, I like to come up with some sort of theme for the project or color scheme. I also like to find one image and base my theme off that, and collect other scraps and images to piece together a collage.
PETTY: What drew you into that medium?
SHOEMAKER: I have always liked exploring different mediums, but I really like how collaging and mixed media don't have any rules on how to create. With mixed media there really isn't a rulebook on what technique you should do or how your art should look like. Mixed media uses many different methods and materials to make a final piece which I love.
PETTY: Are there any artists that inspire you lately?
SHOEMAKER: I love Rama Duwaji’s artwork and political cartoons. Her work has such a fun and unique looking art style. She is an animator and Illustrator that makes drawings of peoples day-day life. Another artist I’m inspired by lately is Chappell Roans Merch and Creative Designer, Mishaspicearchives. I love her collage work, digital artwork, merch design, and much more. Her work is so original, creative, and super colorful.
PETTY: What skills or mediums would you like to learn/explore?
SHOEMAKER: I really want to learn how to tin emboss because I have seen people make really cute garlands, bookmarks or even ornaments from tin embossing. I also want to try stained glass. It looks super fun, doesn't seem like a super cheap hobby but would be fun to try. I have seen people make ornaments, photo holders, picture frames from stained glass making and it looks super fun!
PETTY: What is one thing you want people to take away from your art?
SHOEMAKER: I want people to know that just like my art I'm always willing to try different things and new techniques out to explore my experience and skill level in art.
PETTY: Do you have any source of inspiration for your work?
SHOEMAKER: I make my collages and mixed media artwork from old National Geographic magazines, fashion magazines, oil pastels and newspaper clipping. I find [the] majority of my inspiration from pinterest. I also get some inspiration from collage books and my favorite is Minna Gilligan’s cut and create collage book.
PETTY: If you had a piece of advice for the younger artist within yourself, what would it be?
SHOEMAKER: Don't compare your artwork to people who have been doing it longer and have more experience than you do. That can lead to burnout and after a while is really not healthy. Another thing I would say is to make art for yourself. Don't make art for approval of social media, friends or to make money all the time. My last one is kind of cliche, but experiment, try new things, new materials, and most importantly never give up.