We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laurae a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laurae, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was my first solo art exhibition, “Phases”. For a long time, I didn’t know when or where it would happen, but I knew it would. That certainty came the moment I finally found my style. I started coming home from work excited to create, letting each piece form naturally without forcing an outcome. Over time, the work began to connect, and I knew I was building something worth sharing.

When I felt ready, I started reaching out to galleries across San Antonio, but I kept hearing “No” or being redirected elsewhere. So after many dead ends, I paused.

One day, I took the day off from my then job and decided to spend the day exploring art instead. That’s when I found the Carver Community Cultural Center. If I hadn’t taken that day off, I would’ve missed it entirely because of their hours. While I was there, I met Ernie Ramirez, the Performing and Visual Arts Administrator, and now a friend. We talked about art, I showed him my work, and he told me he’d love to exhibit it there, even if it might take time. I said yes, and I kept creating without expecting anything.

Life shifted a lot after that. I changed jobs, planned to leave the city, got a work-from-home role, then got laid off. For a few months, I wasn’t working at all, and all I saved to invest in the show was gone. When I finally found another job, I was making significantly less, but I kept creating because it was and still is the most important thing to me. I knew I was going to have an art show one way or another.

Then I got the call. My show was happening.

Even with a few months to prepare, I had more than enough work to show. I was also very limited with resources than when I was searching the first time. I couldn’t afford a photographer, DJ, or anything extra. The Carver helped with food, my best friend stepped in to take photos, my mom brought the wine and cookies, and I built my own playlist. I installed most of the show myself; it took a lot longer than I expected, and on the day of, I had to rush home and back to make it on time for the opening.
That night meant everything to me. It was something I had waited for and poured so much into. Seeing people show up, friends, family, and even strangers, all engaging with my work, was overwhelming in the best way. People were sharing their thoughts on which piece resonated with them; it was a literal dream. The night went by so fast, but I’ll never forget every second of it. I sold all my prints and 12 paintings, which was more than I ever expected. I didn’t have any expectations really; I was just happy to share my work with others and accomplish a goal of mine. But that night, I left with something much bigger: confirmation that this is what I’m meant to do. That people can feel what I put into my work, and that this path is real.

Laurae, 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?

Well, my name is Laurae, and I’m an abstract artist in San Antonio, Texas. What I’m most known for is my abstract linework, art prints, and art showcases. Occasionally, I explore other mediums like texture and realism, but I always incorporate my signature style somewhere in between.

I’ve always been creative, but began to create freely and found my style in my mid twenties. As I built a body of work, I shared it on social media, then began selling prints at local pop-ups, which helped me get my name out into the community. From there, I had my first solo exhibition, and since then, I’ve continued showcasing my work in galleries, coffee shops, and businesses throughout the city.

Today, I offer original artwork and prints, along with services like art rentals, commissions, and brand collaborations. My focus is on helping businesses transform their spaces into environments that feel intentional, welcoming, and aligned with their overall aesthetic. I take into account not just the art itself, but how it lives within a space, the layout, the energy, and how customers will experience it.

What sets me apart is my level of care and consistency. I take pride in being reliable, following through on what I say, and creating content that benefits both myself and the businesses I work with. I approach every space as its own concept rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Placement, presentation, and quality are always at the forefront of what I do, and I work efficiently to bring everything together in a way that feels cohesive and elevated.

I’m especially proud of the spaces I’ve been able to be part of, including 300 Main, EOS Tattoo Removal, Lazy Daze, The Dominion Country Club, and Hotel Contessa. Being able to see my work exist in environments like these has been a huge milestone for me.

At the core of everything I do is passion. I genuinely love creating, and I care deeply about how my work is presented, both for myself and for the people I collaborate with. I value quality over quantity, and I’m intentional about every detail. I also really value connection, whether it’s with a client or someone experiencing my work for the first time. I want people to feel something, and I always welcome different perspectives on what they see.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is the ability to connect with people both without words and through them. There’s something really powerful about someone resonating with a piece before a single conversation even happens, and then getting to talk with them afterward and hear their interpretation. I love learning what they see first, what it reminds them of, and how it connects to their life. It feels like stepping into someone else’s mind for a moment.

And with that, simply the ability to create. Art is my outlet for all I’m thinking and feeling, and the process of creating and sharing work heals me. I can process, release, and stay grounded.

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

I believe some of the best ways to support artists is word of mouth and to engage with artists online through likes, comments, shares, and saves. This helps an artist grow their platform, confidence, and is encouragement to continue to share their work.

But also, by showing up in person at their events and giving them their flowers. Art is subjective, and not everything will resonate with everyone, but there’s value in recognizing the courage it takes to create and share something publicly and respecting it.

Lastly, I think it would be helpful for those who hold space within the city to allow access to artists. For example, if you own a venue, warehouse, or a space currently for lease, allow that space to be rented out short-term in between. Artists are limited in where they can create a space from scratch into something beautiful, even if it’s for one night. We need more spaces that allow artists to be artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauraexlauren.com/
• Instagram: @ARTIST.LAURAE
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555180660546
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurae-391161385/

Image Credits

Photographed by me or my phone