We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Connolly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.
Lauren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My most recent and exciting project is the Wild Developments Podcast, which I recently launched in January 2024. This endeavor holds immense significance for me as it represents a unique journey intertwining nature, art, and storytelling. Inspired by my personal experience of leaving behind a corporate career to pursue a passion for visual arts, the podcast delves into transformative moments and a profound connection with the outdoors.
Especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, nature served as a sanctuary for me, fostering connections through routine nature journaling, photography, and watercolor paintings. The Wild Developments Podcast serves as a bridge, uniting people through the powerful medium of narrative. I’ve had the privilege of conversing with kindred spirits from across North America (with the reach continually expanding) who share a common goal – the desire to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. In just a short month since its launch, the podcast has become a platform for like-minded individuals to express their experiences and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, being intentional, and embracing the transformative forces of nature for overall well-being and connection.
I passionately believe that visual arts serve as a vital conduit, seamlessly connecting the moments when one is confined indoors at work to the liberating experiences of being outside. The mere act of gazing at nature images becomes a powerful antidote, actively reducing stress and unlocking the floodgates of beautiful memories. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, visual arts provide a respite, allowing individuals to momentarily escape the confines of their indoor spaces and immerse themselves in the therapeutic beauty of the natural world.”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Wild Developments Studio: Wild Developments Studio is the culmination of my lifelong passion for capturing the untold stories of wildlife through the lens of photography and watercolor art. My name is Lauren Connolly, and I’ve spent years immersing myself in various disciplines, from aerial photography with JL Aerial Views to hosting a weekly podcast encouraging people to explore beyond their comfort zones to diving with sea turtles and sharks.
How It All Began:
My journey began as a professional DSLR wildlife photographer and blogger, where I focused on connecting my followers to the wild through captivating images. I then expanded my horizons to aerial photography as the Owner and Drone Pilot of JL Aerial Views, bringing a unique perspective to the beauty of nature and construction progression.
The Fusion of Photography and Watercolor:
The decision to merge Lauren Connolly Photography and LC Aqua Art into Wild Developments Studio was born from the seamless connection between photography and watercolor. This merger has allowed me to explore boundless creativity and share a diverse range of stories that animals cannot convey on their own. This opportunity also allows me to dive into helping others share their stories about how nature has impacted them in a positive way.
What Sets Us Apart:
At Wild Developments Studio, we stand out by offering a unique blend of photography, aerial views, watercolor art, and storytelling creating a multisensory experience that transports you into the heart of the wild. Our mission is to showcase the beauty of wildlife and instill a sense of conservation and awareness. Every snapshot and brush stroke contributes to a larger narrative of positive change.
Services We Provide:
Professional DSLR wildlife photography
Aerial photography and drone services with JL Aerial Views
Watercolor art, specializing in stylized pet and wildlife
Engaging and instructive watercolor classes
Nature Journaling Classes
Proud Achievements:
I am immensely proud of my experience managing and training over 100 volunteer divers, leading conservation travel initiatives, and receiving the Champion of Conservation award in 2019. These experiences have enriched my understanding of wildlife and conservation, reflecting the ethos of Wild Developments Studio.
Connecting with Our Community:
Wild Developments Studio is not just about creating art; it’s about building a community that shares a love for nature. I strive to inspire and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about the wild and conservation through my podcast, events, and social media engagement.
What to Expect:
Stay tuned for an expedition of imagination and discovery. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey, where every image and stroke of the brush is a step towards reconnecting with nature and saving endangered species—one snapshot and brush stroke at a time.
Thank you for being a part of the Wild Developments Studio adventure!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, the driving force behind my creative journey is a profound mission to make a positive impact on the world. At Wild Developments Studio, we aim to transform how people perceive wildlife and ignite a fire of conservation and awareness within them. Through the powerful mediums of photography and watercolor art, we aim to tell the untold stories of animals, fostering a deep connection between individuals and the natural world.
In addition to our mission of transforming how people perceive wildlife and promoting conservation through photography and watercolor art, Wild Developments Studio recognizes the incredible benefits of nature journaling. We believe that incorporating nature journaling into our creative journey enhances the overall experience and contributes to our broader goals.
Nature journaling serves as a powerful tool for individuals to deepen their connection with the natural world. Through the act of observing, sketching, and documenting their experiences, people can unlock a myriad of benefits like connection to nature, being present in the moment, internal healing, and relaxation.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The ability to touch people’s lives through art, whether by bringing a smile to their face with a pet portrait or by igniting a passion for painting, is the heart of what makes being an artist so rewarding. It’s the creation of lasting impressions, the cultivation of joy, and the empowerment of others to embrace their creativity that fuels our passion at Wild Developments Studio.
In essence, the most rewarding aspect is not just about the art itself but the positive impact it has on individuals—making them happy, fostering newfound skills, and kindling a deeper connection with both their creative selves and the beauty of the natural world. As we continue on this artistic journey, the joy and fulfillment derived from these transformative experiences are what drive us forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WildDevelopmentsStudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenconnollyphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenConnollyPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-connolly-1abb072aa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq0FMghf7onjDC2FJvbHmVw