City on Fire: Inside the Mind of TreNoops
- Eternal Kree
- May 3
- 6 min read
We are back! This week on The Midnight Hour, we're back with our series City on Fire. We are thrilled to present an engaging and insightful interview with the multifaceted visual artist, photographer, graphic designer, musician, and professional groover, Isiah, who is also known by his creative moniker, TreNoops. A true Renaissance man of the contemporary art scene, this interview will delve deep into the essence of who Tre is, exploring the diverse facets of his artistic journey and the profound impact he leaves on the world around him.
@TreNoops
First and foremost, Tre identifies as a father, a role that shapes his identity and influences his creative output. As a visual artist, he employs a wide array of mediums to express his artistic vision. His repertoire spans from digital art to traditional pen and paper techniques, as well as drawing, acrylic painting, and airbrush techniques. Moreover, Tre has ventured into the realm of fashion, even experimenting with clothing design. His collaborative spirit shines through in his work with various artists, with one of his most recent notable partnerships being with Banana Style for the Up West Fest fashion show. In this vibrant event, Tre not only showcased his talents as a model but also took on the responsibility of designing the promotional poster, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the artistic community. Observing Tre's designs is an exhilarating experience; they pulsate with creativity, revealing the deep connection he has with the art and the various projects he engages in. His artistic journey began with a foundation in architecture, but his true passion for art was ignited at a young age as he watched his mother create large posters for his brother's football team. It was her encouragement that inspired him to pick up a pencil and start drawing, urging him to capture everything he observed around him. This nurturing environment fostered a love for art that would come to define Tre’s life. His mother, a woman of many talents and a devoted mother of four, serves as a significant source of inspiration for Tre, illustrating the profound influence family can have on an artist's development.
During his college years, while pursuing a degree in architecture, Tre made a pivotal discovery: "I noticed you can go to school for illustration. There weren't any illustration degrees available until I was a junior or senior. I was like, wait a minute; I already got into the school that had the program, I had good grades." This revelation led him to realize that he was already enrolled in Woodbury University, a prestigious institution recognized for its accredited programs in architecture, fashion design, graphic design, and business, including an MBA option. However, Tre ultimately opted to return home and attend a smaller school, Cornish College, where he could focus on his true passion—illustration. This decision allowed him to immerse himself fully in the field he had long to study, nurturing his artistic skills and expanding his creative horizons.
Artwork by @TreNoops
In addition to his visual artistry, Tre is also a talented musician, showcasing his skills in both vocals and a variety of musical instruments. His musical journey began in childhood, when he learned to read music and play the saxophone. "It teaches you music theory as you start to write music; I would transpose songs to different instruments. We're technical," he explains, highlighting how his musical education has improved his creative process. As a versatile creator myself, I was curious to learn which two mediums Tre cherishes most for self-expression. Having met Tre through the vibrant worlds of dance and music, it comes as no surprise that dance is one of his favorite forms of expression. He discovered his passion for dance during the eighth grade, inspired by watching his sisters perform throughout their lives. "One skill I developed while drawing is that I became a referential drawer. I learned how to mimic things with my eyes. I didn’t know that was a skill I was developing, but for anything that you’re mimicking, you have to have a command of the tools. With dancing, I'm commanding my body," Tre reflects, illustrating how he has taken the skills he has honed in drawing and applies them to the dynamic medium of dance. This cross-disciplinary approach not only enriches his artistic practice but also highlights the interconnectedness of various forms of creative expression.
Change is an intrinsic aspect of the artistic journey that we, as artists, cannot avoid. Instead of shying away from it, we learn to embrace and lean into change, recognizing that it is a catalyst that enhances our creative output and ultimately makes our work more profound and impactful. It is through the process of change that we discover new techniques, explore different mediums, and refine our unique voice.
"Hip-Hop's Highest" by @TreNoops
In exploring the evolution of Tre's artistic journey, it's fascinating to consider how he has navigated the waves of change throughout his career. Tre has articulated that "my style in all the things I do evolve in real time, with stimulation from things I see." This statement encapsulates the essence of an artist who is not only aware of the external influences that shape his work but also actively engages with them. His ability to adapt and evolve in response to his surroundings speaks to a dynamic creative process that is continually in motion. Tre's experiences with change are multifaceted. He draws inspiration from a vast array of sources. Each of these elements contributes to his artistic palette, allowing him to experiment with new ideas and techniques. This constant influx of inspiration fuels his creativity, pushing him to innovate and redefine his style.
Moreover, Tre's dedication to his craft is evident in the fact that there are few moments when he is not engaged in the creative process. His commitment to creating art is a reflection of his passion and drive, and it is something I can relate to deeply. For many artists, including myself, the act of creation is not merely a job or a hobby; it is a vital part of our identity. The urge to create is often so strong that it becomes a daily ritual, a way to process the world around us and express our innermost thoughts and feelings.
"I've always felt as an artist I'm more of a remix artist than I am somebody who creates from nothing." This statement resonates deeply with many artists who find inspiration in the world around them, drawing from existing ideas to forge new paths in their creative journeys. The adage that good ideas lead into better ideas encapsulates the essence of this approach. It highlights the interconnectedness of creativity, where one concept can spark another, leading to a cascade of innovative thoughts and expressions. In the case of Tre, the journey has been particularly unique. Not having many opportunities for formal art education, Tre had to rely on his own determination and resourcefulness to teach himself the intricacies of his creative skill set. This self-directed learning process is a different grind altogether; it requires immense dedication, discipline, and a genuine passion for the craft. To teach yourself something, especially in the arts, is no small feat. It demands a relentless pursuit of knowledge and the willingness to experiment, fail, and try again until mastery is achieved. You have to really want it, and that desire fuels the journey toward artistic growth and development.
This leads us to an important aspect of the creative process: the inevitable creative blocks that every artist encounters at some point. The question arises: how do you deal with or manage these creative blocks? Tre's approach is refreshingly straightforward yet profoundly effective: "Draw, just draw something and get it out of your head." This advice emphasizes the importance of action over inaction when faced with a creative lull. By returning to the sketchbook, Tre advocates for the simple yet powerful act of putting pencil to paper, regardless of the outcome. In essence, Tre's method serves as a reminder that creativity is not always about perfection; sometimes, it's about simply allowing the ideas to flow and trusting the process.
To support or buy TreNoops work check out his merch shop, & his portfolio.
Until next time Love, Learn, & Pass it On!
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