Canvas Rebel Interview

Meet Lauren Rushing

STORIES & INSIGHTS JUNE 2, 2022

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Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Rushing. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I would have created sooner and explored other mediums in art.

Since I was young, I felt like everything I saw was a still from a movie. Since then, I knew it was a gift that I should utilize.
When I was in high school, I ran a photography business for portraits. I had started my photography journey at 13 by creating self portraits as an emotional outlet. Since then, I have continued creating fine art photography, as well as other forms of photography such as photojournalism, conceptual art, and portraits. I’ve always enjoyed capturing moments in time and it gives me sense of purpose.

Once I went to The University of North Texas, I was so eager to continue my photography journey. I was excited to create conceptual art in a learning experience. Sadly, that program was not for me. It all felt so “one sided” based off of the professor’s “ideas” of photography. In reality, art is subjective.

At one point, I was studying Art Education. I worked two jobs, went to school full time, and it was a struggle!
I continued photography, but changed my degree to Art & Design with a minor in Social Sciences.

Now a few years later, I am an art educator. I wish I could have started this sooner because now I am so interested in other art mediums! Being an art teacher allows me to venture and find new projects not only for my student’s learning, but for mine as well. I have realized not only do I enjoy 2D art, but I really enjoy 3D art now!

I wish I knew sooner that I would be drawn to other forms of art. I am now a multidisciplinary artist that focuses not only in photography, but fibers! I create embroideries, weaving wall pieces, rugs, coasters, and so much more. Creating something that you’re able to hold, touch, analyze, and hold a feeling of sensation with textures?! That is so rewarding. If I knew more about fibers in my high school and college days, I feel like it would have had a different role in my art career and where I am today with it.

I wish I could have started textile and fibers artwork sooner because it’s difficult trying to find your place in the art world. To keep up, learn techniques, etc. Art changes constantly!
Thankfully, my love for photography has always held a special place in my heart and life.

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

Once I realized I had an interest in photography, there was a moment when I realized I wanted to create for people…originally. I still photograph weddings, engagements, portraits, and so forth. As I got older, I realized I wasn’t creating for me anymore. I was only photographing for others. I LOVE photographing my clients and I am blessed that they see my talent and TRUST me with those special moments. I’ve been photographing for so long, but competition is everywhere.

I am proud of many things, but I am very proud (more so thankful) for having others reach out to use my photos. That could be for their blog, a book, a lesson on portraits, etc. It fulfills me when people ask because they see a photo that represents what they are trying to say or show.

When covid hit, I was awarded a grant from Fort Works Art & Sundance Square here in Fort Worth. I was freshly new to Fort Worth, and the fact they had an option for artists to submit their work for a grant, during such a financially hard time, I was so proud of myself.

I submitted both photographs & fibers art work, and ta-da! I was so thrilled.

I am currently trying to start a business with my tufting art works. I learned through the pandemic, I have a love for fibers. Tufting is a medium of creating rugs. I first began embroidering and punch needle, but once I saw it trending during Covid, I had to grab my hands on it. Teaching takes a lot of my day, so during the summer I really plan to change it up!

You can follow my journey on instagram for my fibers artwork, as well as photography.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having people enjoy your work. It’s hard to choose all of the rewarding aspects, but having someone compliment your work is at the very top.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

When I tell people I’d rather stay home and create art over going out on a late night, most people don’t understand that unless they are an artist. If I start a project, I have to finish it. Not every creative is this way, but I most certainly am. Now there are many times I hang out with my friends, but usually they have to approach me. I’m so glad they do because after the pandemic, it is something I just got use to.

Sometimes it’s hard to sit down and relax when you know you could be working on something, at least for me.

I also find it very therapeutic to unwind in creative activities. I tell my students all the time how much I believe art has helped me cope and understand my emotions. Art is therapy to a lot of people.

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