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

Alright, Laurie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I was really fortunate growing up with parents who encouraged me to create. My dad was an aeronautical engineer by trade, but also had an artistic side and my mom was creative in numerous ways. Between the two of them they could design, build, sew, knit or cook just about anything we kids could dream up. When I started drawing at a very early age they encouraged me constantly and made sure I had plenty of paper, pencils and crayons on hand. The art supply stash grew with me – they were always willing to buy me something new I wanted to try – and at 14 they put me in private oil painting lessons with a funny and charming old man who I think of to this day when I paint. As college approached they sat me down and told me I’d be crazy not to pursue art! How amazing is that? I hear so many sad stories of parents who told their kids they needed to get “a real job”. My parents told me to go for it with everything I had and that if I did, I’d succeed. They were wonderful and right!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

After a 30-plus year long career as an illustrator and graphic designer, I’m finally, finally doing what I’ve longed to do since college; I’m in my home studio painting nearly every day! It was in college that I realized very quickly that paying the rent and eating were necessities, and honestly, working as an illustrator and graphic designer didn’t feel like that much of a compromise. I was still doing creative work, often in a super fun environment with other creatives. Oh the stories I could tell! I mostly worked for large companies – not on purpose, it just happened, but over the years I took several breaks from the corporate life and did freelance work. I loved the thrill of working with new clients, the flexibility and freedom and the variety.

In 2018 I decided it was finally time to take the plunge into painting full time. I found Art on 30th, a really cool art center in North Park San Diego and the wonderful community of people there and have been involved ever since. When the pandemic hit in 2020 my husband and I decided we needed to rethink how we live in our house. We both needed space to do what we love (he’s a musician and woodworker). We converted a bedroom into his studio, rethought the garage, and I commandeered the seldom used living room as my art studio! I love having a workspace at home that I can walk into every morning and ponder what I’m going to do today. My paintings hang all over the walls to remind me of where I’ve been, where I want to go, and my progress thus far.

These days I’m painting in acrylics and am loving it. I’m entering more and more shows and do the occasional commission. My mission is to create art that’s accessible and affordable. I believe that having art around us is inspirational and healing, and affordable art gives everyone the opportunity to own it. I also donate art to various non-profit organizations.

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

Firstly, we need to recognize and value the importance of the arts as a society. As individuals we can take an active interest in what art brings to our lives and then start exploring. Visit some local art shows and galleries and take the time to really look at each piece and take it in. And of course when you love a piece it’s a beautiful, win-win to purchase it and support an artist! As an artist there’s nothing more special than having someone love and buy one of my pieces. It creates a personal connection that inspires me to keep painting. The money always goes towards more paint and supplies.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I feel like being able to create art is a gift that I need to share. It’s an honor to be able to help others to notice the subtle but beautiful things around them every day, like the dappled light of a shadow, reflections in water or the colors in the twilight sky. When art I’ve created touches someone’s heart, it’s really nice confirmation that I’m on the right path.

Contact Info:

• Website: lauriefuller.com
• Facebook: Laurie Fuller Art