Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to LAURIE BARKER. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
LAURIE, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
When I first entered the world of resin art, I expected creativity to be the hardest part. Instead, I quickly learned that resin art is as much about patience, preparation, and problem-solving as it is about artistic vision. Through trial and error, mistakes, and unexpected obstacles I gained valuable lessons about what to do, and what not to do when working with resin. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was rushing the process. Working with resin art isn’t always easy-there’s a lot to consider with the medium, from timing to technique. Skipping steps like properly measuring resin and hardener or not mixing thoroughly led to pieces that never correctly cured. Sticky surfaces, soft spots, and wasted materials taught me that shortcuts in resin art almost always result in failure. Another lesson came from ignoring environmental conditions. Temperature and humidity, especially here in Tampa, Florida, play a major role in how resin cures. Working in a space that was too hot or too humid, for example “flash cures” when it’s too warm outside. Another important practice was accepting imperfections as learning opportunities. Instead of discarding every flawed piece, I analyzed what went wrong and how to fix it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a Tampa-based artist, and I’ve called this beautiful city home for the past four years. I’m endlessly inspired by the ocean—its vastness, its calm, and its ever-changing beauty. But beyond the ocean, I’m driven by people’s stories—their hopes, their treasured pasts, especially when it comes to family jewelry. So many people come to me unsure of what to do with their heirlooms—these pieces passed down through generations—yet not knowing how to keep them alive in a meaningful way. That’s where I step in. I transform their jewelry into bespoke art pieces—timeless keepsakes that people can treasure forever. And that, truly, is what I’m most proud of. I love bringing my clients joy—helping them feel seen, heard, and excited about their own personal art. Using a variety of materials—from gemstones to heirloom trinkets—I focus on making each piece unique.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist isn’t recognition or accolades—it’s connection. Knowing that something I created made someone smile, laugh, or feel seen is the real reward. Art has a quiet way of reaching people where words sometimes can’t, and being able to bring even a small moment of happiness into someone’s day is deeply fulfilling. That exchange—creating something and watching it brighten someone else’s world—is what makes the work meaningful to me.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think one thing a lot of non-creatives struggle with is how much time and uncertainty is inherent in the creation process. They might expect a sudden spark of inspiration, but for me, it’s a slow, iterative dance—some days, I have no idea what I’m making or if I’m on the right track. That uncertainty can be really disconcerting if you’re used to a more linear sense of progress.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauriebarkerfluidarts.com
- Facebook: Laurie Barker Fluid Arts
- Other: https://www.michaels.com, Laurie Barker Fluid Arts
https://marketspread.com, Laurie Barker Fluid Arts
Image Credits
Happy Face Portraits
Celia Vargo – Owner
cdvargo@aol.com