We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Hudson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Other artists and even my students; assume because I teach art that I am not talented or skilled in art-making. The phrase, “those who cannot do, teach.” comes to mind.

Other educators- assume that because I teach art, my job is easy. That children come in well behaved and open to do and make anything you put in front of them.
By the time my high school students get to me, they have this notion that art is not important, that it is reserved for the talented few. I have to encourage them to make the attempt and to show them why that is important. I have to show them how meaningful it can be and hope that something resonates with them enough to appreciate it. Reframing an outlook on top of teaching them the skills they need to be successful is not an easy task. Every day I have to remind them that talent is a pursued interest and just like any acquired skill takes practice and time.

Society- views art as a frivolous thing.  It is seen as something “nice” as a luxury item we could do without. It is interesting to note that those same individuals who do not hold art in high regard are also the ones who consume it every day. Art is in; the music we listen to, the clothes we choose to wear, the way we decide to decorate our space, the food we consume, the books we read, the movies we watch, the designs in the products we purchase. It is in everything that makes our lives more enjoyable but is ironically looked down upon.

It has occurred to me throughout the years that art is simply misunderstood by many people. Those with wisdom have the responsibility to educate in order to make change – which will be a lifelong goal for myself.

Lauren, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Lauren Hudson. I am an artist and an educator.

I teach high school art at a charter school in the city of Buffalo. I spend my days teaching, counseling, nursing, parenting and encouraging my students.  With my free time and whatever energy reserves I have left- I make art for myself and for commissions.

Growing up, I saw my oldest brother making beautiful artwork and I decided I wanted to do that. I wanted to learn how to make beautiful things. I didn’t realize at the time that art making would be my comfort; a place of pure focus, of enjoyment, riding the line between overwhelming anxiety and pure love and excitement. Art making for me is therapeutic. I try to be self-reflective in my pieces and convey questions I have for myself; who I wish to be, who I am now and how I fit into the society in which I live. My art grows and develops along with my mind and skillset.

I specifically went into teaching art because at a time when I needed to express myself the most, was a time when my art teacher expressed how little they thought of me and my skill. I was not encouraged, I was belittled and told “I was a waste of their time.” One person should not determine a child’s worthiness and I thought that I could be that person that I had needed. I could be the support I never got from an individual who had no business being an educator. Children deserve to learn from individuals who are patient, kind, and excited to do everything they can to help them flourish.

I have such a love for what I do. I believe that art is not just about making a “pretty picture” , it is a time to test your character; your ability to push beyond frustrations. It is a time to accept that whatever it is that you’re making may not be perfect but you will learn something along the way and take it into your next piece. Art can provide the opportunity to slow down, to observe, to reflect, to problem solve- these are all skills that can be translated into any field, in any situation. It takes a strong willed person to spend hours on something, just for it to not turn out how they had hoped and then to decide not to be defeated and try again. Art making takes courage and strength. It takes a level of vulnerability to put yourself out there for others to judge and decide for yourself that it is worth it and go back for more.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At this time in my life; I am looking to put myself out there for others to know. With teaching, all of my energy typically goes into nurturing my students in my classroom. I would like to make the time for myself to put my art, my thoughts and ideas out into the world and see if it sprouts connections.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think the struggle to be acknowledged and appreciated is the hardest thing I have faced in my creative journey. Creatives must go against the grain to pursue something they love and fight for validation from society. Navigating the hypocrisy of consumers who invalidate the producer is the hardest part of being a creative. Some pieces take weeks-months to make, let alone the dedicated years into the craft- there is an unwillingness to pay for the work produced by the public and criticism for pricing.

Artists also now have to compete with developing AI technology. A tool that could have been used along with artists and their work has now been replacing the thoughtful and intricate individuals who inspired it.

I do hope with more communication, education and support; the arts will eventually be revered again by society.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ooh_la_lauren
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.hudson.9