We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Rushing and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began a photography business while I was in high school. I wanted to work for myself, and continue to create images that allowed people to remember their memories in the most special way. I moved from Denton to Fort Worth and things had to change. I noticed I was photographing for others more so than myself. I didn’t want to lose that passion so I put my camera down for others for a while.
When covid hit, I really got into fibers and I wanted to create fun, bright, textile art that people could appreciate in their home. Regardless of where I am in life, I want to create art for myself and others to enjoy. I want to show people the value and love of art through creating a fibers based business. That is my main focus currently.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a full time art teacher but, I have been a photographing since I was 13! I really focused in film photography and when Covid hit, Fort Worth Arts had a chance for artists to submit their work and win a grant. Accomplishing and receiving the grant really helped me in pursuing my new found love of fibers and tufting. It really eased the anxiety of the pandemic and I wasn’t able to take photos.
I feel like in this day of age in social media, it wasn’t easy. Everything happens SO fast in terms of technology and it’s hard to keep up. There is always that voice in the back of your head that compares yourselves to others. I had to change my mindset a lot of times. I took breaks from social media and that helped a lot. I think we all should because being in the present of what you are making, is very important. Take a step back and focus on you, not others.
I learned that no matter what others are making, to truly focus on yourself. I stopped looking at what I should make for money and just create things I enjoy. If someone loves it, great! If someone wants to buy it, even better. But creating art that fulfills you is the most important. If it weren’t for becoming an art teacher, I wouldn’t have realized I have talents in areas that aren’t just about photography. Teaching art has encouraged me to be a better artist each day.
I want others to know it takes time to figure out what kind of art fulfills your heart. Passion is a hard thing to figure out but it’s important in our day to day lives. I hope everyone finds something that lifts their heart. Whether it’s art or not, find something that allows you to have your “me time”. Stick with it—don’t lose it.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Anytime I have a friend visit, I have to take them to Turner Falls in Oklahoma. Being surrounded in nature really does something for our hearts and soul. The waterfalls, the hills, all of it brings me a sense of Euphoria.
If friends come to visit in Fort Worth, I take them to Docs Records! The workers there are so kind and who doesn’t love to leave with a record? They also have several vintage sellers all around the store. It makes it a fun experience by having music and lovely fashion everywhere.
I believe everyone should check out estate sales on the weekend! There is always something fun or interesting you find in other’s homes or past homes. You are allowed to see someone’s history and collect some of it as you go.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to my dad who passed in December of 2020. He was a talented musician and I saw the hard work he put in. Someone else that inspires me is my close friend R’Bonney Nola Gabriel. She is a fashion designer based out of Houston and has worked with textile art her entire life. She really encouraged me and taught me I could have more than one passion in the art world. She was my cheerleader and always rooting me on when I was lost on which art form to work on.
Website: www.laurenrushing.com
Instagram: laurenrushingart
