Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lara Popkess. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The world often fails to provide a conducive environment for creatives to thrive economically, despite the essential role we play in society. Creative expression distinguishes human beings from artificial intelligence in an increasingly technological society, yet artists frequently find themselves with the short end of the stick and expect to only pursue art as a hobby.

During my formative years, I wanted to pursue a career in art, but I consistently received discouraging advice such as, “You can’t solely focus on art; you must find a practical way to make a living.” At 18, society expects us to have our lifelong aspirations figured out before we attend university, but I was told that art couldn’t lead to a successful career. This mindset left me feeling disheartened and uncertain about who I was supposed to be, wondering if work should not be about doing something you love.

However, after studying Art Education at the University of Texas and graduating in 2019, I discovered a career in which I could teach art to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This experience deepened my passion for art. After working full-time there for 4 years, this summer, I made a pivotal decision to take a risk, reduce my working hours, and dedicate more time and energy to my artistic pursuits. The journey has been marked by highs and lows, as the intricacies of algorithms and the sheer competition in the artistic world can be daunting.

I willingly sacrificed job security, a great benefits package, and the reassurance that came with my previous career path, all driven by an inner conviction to pursue my passion: sharing my artistic experiences with the world. After all, creativity is nature’s way of expressing itself through us, and, in the grand scheme of things, our most vital connections are those we foster with each other and the world.

Lara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Lara Popkess, and I’m the artist behind Lara Faye Creations. Texas has been my home for over 20 years, and I graduated from the University of Texas in 2019, where I earned a degree in Visual Art Studies. Following my graduation, I dedicated myself to full-time work in the art education department of a non-profit organization, committed to serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, I transitioned into an administrative role at the same organization, allowing me to channel more of my focus into my career as an artist. My interactions with neurodivergent individuals have illuminated the fact that art is a shared, human experience, characterized not only by its visual beauty but its therapeutic impact on the mind and soul. As an artist, my passion is to nurture these shared experiences through my vibrant, watercolor creations.

My art delves into the hidden intelligence of nature, with vibrant hues and symbolic layers that accentuate themes of death, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. From death, life emerges anew. I strive to underscore and celebrate the interconnectedness of nature, drawing inspiration from the captivating Texan landscape and its diverse flora, fauna, and funga. While I primarily utilize watercolors for their ability to capture the colors I perceive, I also enjoy exploring and combining various mediums such as gouache, pen, and colored pencils. My distinctive use of color and meticulous attention to detail sets me apart from others. Color holds profound meaning for me since it’s the first element I observe wherever I am, shaping my perception of my surroundings and influencing my emotional response. Color also triggers fond memories of my childhood in a vibrant household, where nearly every room boasted unique, vivid hues.

My lifelong fascination with nature and its symbiotic organisms has driven my creative journey. Being someone who finds human interaction challenging, nature has consistently been my “security blanket” and a reliable source of conversation starters. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, human beings have distanced themselves from the natural world, becoming ensnared by screens. Once, we were profoundly connected to the universe, gazing upon a night sky filled with millions of stars that inspired wonder and kindled our creativity. Today, the luminous glow of our bright screens have replaced these celestial stars, overshadowing the importance of nature as a whole. I firmly believe that nature serves as a vital reminder of our origins and our place in an increasingly divided society. It all begins and ends with nature, with us intertwined in its tapestry.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The most effective means of supporting artists and creatives is by attending local art shows and events. This not only provides support to the individual artist but also contributes to the strength of your community’s artistic ecosystem. Another way to aid creatives is by engaging with their social media accounts and purchasing their unique creations, rather than opting for mass-produced prints available at department stores or online retailers. Even if you’re unable to make a purchase, simply sharing and spreading the word can have a significant impact!

Additionally, I discourage artificially generated “art,” as it undermines the essence of true artistic expression. Art is an inherently human experience, a medium through which individuals pour their love and energy into their creations. It’s a deeply personal and emotional process, vastly different from the instantaneous replication of stolen artwork online.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most fulfilling aspect of my life as an artist lies in sharing the profound influence of nature with others and witnessing the sense of “wonder” and “awe” that diverse organisms inhabiting our Earth can evoke. For example, many people hold negative associations with mushrooms, deeming them “gross” or “weird” when in reality, mushrooms and fungi possess remarkable health, environmental, and ecological capabilities! My artistic interpretations of these organisms play a vital role in initiating these conversations.

Creating art rooted in my personal experiences and offering it to others, who may choose to display it in their homes for others to admire, is an incredibly rewarding experience. It enables me to bridge the gap between my world and theirs, fostering a connection through the beauty of art. I also believe that my work encourages people to embrace more color in their lives, helping them overcome any hesitations they might have!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/larafayecreations
• Instagram: @larafaye_creations
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/larafayecreations