We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Hefty recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
The thought of “Would life have been better if I stuck to a regular career?” crosses my mind regularly. My production, planning, and networking skills are directly linked to my income. To phrase it simply: If I have extra money, I have no extra time. If I have extra time, then I have no extra money. Running an art business isn’t easy, and anytime I have a bad day, there’s always that little nagging voice that says, “You wouldn’t have to worry if you had picked a normal career.” With all of that being said, I would never go back. The opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of and the freedom to explore new places and meet new people while traveling for shows are what really makes it worth all the stress.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a professional freelance artist based out of Star Prairie, Wisconsin. I’ve been selling my work for close to 6 years, and I’ve been running my business full-time for a year and a half. I sell most of my work via art shows and through Gladje Gallery and One10 Gallery, which I’m proud to be partnered with.
I’m a board member for Frederic Arts and a member of the St. Paul Artists Collective. I teach painting, drawing, and fiber arts at White Bear Center for the Arts, Gladje Gallery, and Frederic Arts.
My primary medium is acrylics, and my body of work primarily focuses on surrealism and the natural world. I combine wildlife, landscape, color, and emotion to create pieces that catch the viewer off guard and keep them coming back for more.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think as a whole, we’ve been too focused on STUFF and how we can get more of it quickly, We’ve lost the ability slow down and enjoy eclectic and handmade things. As a business owner, I have to ask that the readers of this article take the time to discover the small businesses, artists and artisans in your area. If you are able to support monetarily, great! If not, do your best to follow us on social media, sign up for our email lists and show our platforms to friends and family. People forget that word-of-mouth and exposure can be just as valuable as currency to small businesses.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Having the ability to take the ideas swirling in my head and turn them into reality. Then getting to watch those creations bring people wonder. That’s probably the most rewarding aspect for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greyfoxartworks.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greyfoxartworks/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greyfoxartworks
