We recently connected with Laura Carrier and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I didn’t start painting until I was 18 and graduated high school. I mention painting because I think that was the first visual art, formal creative thing I had done, and the first thing I did that made me feel like an artist. I had always had many little creative endeavors my whole life, such as sewing projects, creating fun outfits, playing with makeup, and taking a lot of time to edit the pictures I posted on Instagram, but I didn’t register as art-making. I never took any art classes or joined any art clubs, which I think would have been a revelation. I saw visual arts as an incredible thing that I guess you were either born with or didn’t have or weren’t drawn to, although I knew I was creative, I didn’t make the connection until the labels and categories of high school were over. I just had to figure out who I was outside my high school friend groups and clicks. During this period, I spent much time on Pinterest and began painting white slip-on vans to personalize my outfits further. Soon my friends wanted a pair, and I had a whole online Etsy business going. I ended up selling about 75 pairs before stopping that to pursue a Painting degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Back to your question though, of would I change my experience to start a formal art career sooner… no I don’t think I would. I love that I found visual arts through clothing and friendships. I think getting in the game later was smart for me, as I could be more immediately passionate and serious about my creativity and the many wonderful ways to use it and share it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a painter! I love to paint landscapes in oil paint, watercolor, and acrylic. I take commissions of all sorts, pet portraits, landscapes of essential places, family homes, farmlife, and more. As I said, I began painting really tiny on shoes and now I love to paint giant as well! My largest painting was on a 48 inch x 84 inch stretched canvas. Clients often come to me pretty sure of what they want, but if necessary, I love to look through pictures and brainstorm elements to make each painting I create for a client personable and something they would like to pass down for generations. I will often take videos during my painting process so my client can experience the painting process alongside me. I find people really enjoy seeing me work on something so special to them. I also have clients message me from all over the country, so shipping paintings (as long as they are not too huge) is something I have no problem doing. I am always looking for a new creative adventure and challenge!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

It takes a lot of money to buy the supplies for whatever creative endeavor someone embarks on. I have found recycled art things beneficial to my practice. Anywhere you know that will take your old art supplies and sell them back to the art community is essential to artists like me who may need an oil paint or brush at a really discounted price. Support local art stores, specifically those that trade, buy, and sell! Another obvious thing is to show up to any art pop-ups. Creative people spend so much effort, time, and money to create their stands, prints, gadgets, and so much more for you to enjoy. Check Facebook groups or Google for future pop-ups, and certainly check out Forsyth Park’s Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is sharing creativity. There is an understanding that came from who knows where that not everyone is creative or that you are either sporty, nerdy, or artsy, but that is just not true. Creativity is beneficial to everyone and indeed essential for a happy life. I am an art and mindfulness teacher at a public school in Savannah, and there is not a single student I have had that has not wowed me in some way with their insane amounts of creativity. We all have a child inside us that is itching to fingerpaint, sculpt with play-dough, play with slime or even make a flower bouquet. These things are wonderful to do as calming techniques and build self-esteem. Let yourself be silly and have fun, get creative!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauracarrierarts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraloo2d2/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-carrier-567bbb1b1/