Meet Larissa Neath | Art Instructor & Creator of Homes for Gnomes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Larissa Neath and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Larissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I still don’t know if I would call myself a business. However, I have always felt drawn to art and in constant awe of what it can do for people. Those two things are why I began leading art lessons and then attempting to get out there more with my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am never sure just how much I am “set apart,” especially having recently lived in the Atlanta area – a place that is saturated with so much incredible artistic talent – I would like to think that my quirky and community driven art is at least appreciated though.

I think that is evident in the “Gnome Homes GA” project, an art and nature scavenger hunt I started in 2020. You use “clues” and locations given online at https://www.amobilestudio.net/ to track down each residence. The Homes are public art pieces for the community to enjoy and have been well received, although, that could also be that the project started (unintentionally) around the start of the COVID19 pandemic. I prefer to believe though, that it is just people looking for a little magic.

Another endeavor I am proud of has been my teaching of art classes with local seniors as well as fundraising for charities through “sip-n-paint” style classes. This is always heart warming, seeing how people can come together for a cause and also how surprised they can be about what they are able to create along the way.

As far as what I want the world to know about my art? I never really know what to say to a question like this… In a world that is seemingly more and more divided, my hope is just that my art can bring a little joy to people. Even if only momentarily. Whether by engaging children to draw, seniors to leave their room at a home or making someone do a double-take while on a trail, I would like people to see something I have done and let it take them out of the day-to-day busy or worry. Maybe even have them tell someone they know or someone near by, so people can check it out together. I think we need more things to bring people together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I did recently relocate from the Atlanta, Georgia area to Senoia, Georgia, however, I am still in the city weekly for my 9-5 job. It may not be the usual “things to do in Atlanta” list but that’s the great thing about this city, it’s so diverse! You will be sure to find something that interest you.

* Brick Store Pub in Decatur – it’s like a pub out of Middle-earth
* Oakland Cemetery – hauntingly beautiful, try a scavenger hunt while you’re there and you will learn a lot too
* The Beltline and Krog Street Tunnel – numerous displays of art and culture from local creators
* Doll’s Head Trail – an eery trek through nature that proves 1) you can turn something ugly into something beautiful and 2) we need be mindful of how much we leave behind
* Shakespeare Tavern – a small place with big heart
* The Laughing Skull – comedy and diner-esque food for a fun night out
* The Atlanta Magic Theater – try to figure out how he did it
* The Center for Puppetry Arts – because: Dark Crystal
* The Corner Cup Coffee – great coffee, enough said!
*Mason Mill Park – find gnome homes while you roam

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has definitely always encouraged my art, from baking to painting, to teaching and art classes, they were always there in my corner.

My husband. He reminds me of all the good experiences and successes I have had throughout my artistic journey. You need those people who will keep things in prospective for you, rather than let you see things through the lens of self doubt that inevitably creeps in.

Website: https://www.amobilestudio.net/

Instagram: gnomehomesga