Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Lynne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful projects I do are the ones where I teach kids about their local flora and fauna, then use their art to create a large scale mixed media artwork. These collaborations I feel are my “Ikigia” as they combine my love of nature and art. The latest artwork had a Midwest wetland theme. We looked at photos of crayfish, American beavers, fish, and lily pads then they uploaded their art and I collaged it on a wood panel with a hand-painted background. The kids were thrilled when we revealed the final artwork and looked eagerly to find their part in the collaboration.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
When I first started my art business, I didn’t know where it would lead. I started by building a portfolio by doing low cost commissions for my friends and family. That lead to doing mural work. In 2020, all mural, commission work and art shows stopped so I had evolve my business. This lead to teaching art online for an artist-in-residence program that was initially supposed to be in person. After that I got hired for another artist residency where I teach workshops and lead collaborative nature-based art projects for kids in 1st through 5th grade.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The goal or mission driving my creative journey is to inspire connection and healing through nature and art education. Giving children the time to draw quietly can provide a few minutes of peace in their lives that they may not be able to experience outside of art class. Open ended art projects gives them an opportunity to make their own choices and feel in control. When they see a butterfly or squirrel outside, they may remember drawing it and feel a stronger connection to their environment. Besides my goals of teaching children about drawing and art techniques, these are the positive side effects that I hope to achieve.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
The creative life is like many tributaries flowing into a wide and fast river. Each tributary is a lesson learned or experience that brings you closer to flowing into the river of that one idea that may carry you to the ocean of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lauralynneart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lauralynneart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauralynneart
- Linkedin: www.linkedin/company/laura-lynne-art
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lauralynneart
Image Credits
Amy Nelson