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

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’ve come to the understanding that I will always have to be doing creative work in some way, whether it be professionally or privately, because I am an artist by nature, no matter what kind of job I am doing. I’ve always identified as one and I’ve learned what that means in different ways as I’ve grown and experienced life. For me it is a way of looking at and existing in the world. I’m happiest when I can use that artistic way of being to freely express myself and be of service in the world as a creative. Sometimes it can be difficult to view making art as a “service” or job, especially when it just feels intrinsic to who you are. I do have a “regular job” in addition to doing work as an abstract painter, and sometimes I can infuse that job with being artistic or creative in how I approach things in the every day.

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

I am an abstract painter. I love abstract painting because I think it allows the viewer to infuse the painting with their own meaning and create a sort of self-reflective relationship. I am a big proponent of meditation and I like to consider each piece I make as an opportunity for a mini meditation. You can gaze at the painting and observe what your mind does. You can become the watcher. A lot of people think meditation is about clearing your mind of thoughts but it’s really about creating space between yourself and your thoughts. I hope that my work helps facilitate that for people in some way.

I’ve always identified as an artist, and was lucky to have parents and family that encouraged my inclination toward making art. I minored in art in college, and I’ve had a great mentor who taught me a great deal about oil painting and creating an art practice. I’ve experimented with creating art in many different ways, but I always come back home to abstract painting. I am currently creating collection of acrylic soak stain paintings. It will probably be released by the time this interview is out.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In November of 2020, I got sober. It has really shown me the depth of my resilience and shifted the way I approach my business and my work from the inside out. It’s the best thing I have ever done in my life, and it has definitely deepened my understanding of myself, especially as a creative person. I realized how I had sort of spent years burying and protecting the sensitive, introverted version of myself and began to get back in touch with her. I did a lot of 12 step work and began to take responsibility for myself in ways I had been refusing or unable to do. Recovery is a very personal and ongoing process but one that directly impacts my ability to create work and do so in (hopefully) a more vulnerable and serviceable way. I want anyone reading this who might be struggling or questioning their relationship with addiction of any kind ( and there are many) to know that life really can change, you can change, and it can happen right now. You don’t need to wait until its really bad or have a reason other than wanting things to be different.

I’m excited about the new work I am doing and the new directions I’m taking as an artist and business person and I think I owe so much of it to my sobriety.

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

I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating points of connection for people. When someone looks at one of my paintings and feels something, they are really connecting with a part of themselves. It is a self-relfective experience. It’s such an honor to make something from nothing and have it in the world for people to interact with and create a relationship with. It’s simple, but it’s Divine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauraviapiano.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraviapiano/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraViapianoArtist