Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Herr.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Art has always been a part of my life. My maternal grandmother is a painter and my paternal grandfather was an artist. Although we never got to meet, seeing his carvings, paintings and drawings has allowed me to get a sense of who he was and what was important to him. My first formal introduction to art was a Hobby Lobby workshop when I was 11 or 12. That’s where I discovered soft pastels and was immediately hooked. I took art classes throughout high school but never seriously considered pursuing it as a career so when it came time to declare a major, I chose mathematics because I was good at it and it seemed more practical.
Since I really didn’t know what I wanted to do, and honestly who does at that age, I changed majors 4 times. I like to think I’m well rounded. In any case, I still managed to finish my undergrad in 3½ years but the joke is I would make a formidable opponent on jeopardy. After college, I started working for a produce company in Houston doing clerical accounting. I was able to have a very flexible work schedule which gave me the opportunity to explore art again and develop my creative voice while still having the financial security. Last year when that company sold, I had to make a choice between staying on in a much more corporate environment or taking the leap to full time artist. I jumped.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a wildlife, animal and western artist working in soft pastels, charcoal and graphite. I love the primitive nature of the mediums I choose to use. With my subject matter, it just seems fitting to describe their forms with burnt wood and ground earth. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to merge my passions for travel, horsemanship, and wildlife with my artistic endeavors. Traveling to many beautiful places has given me the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the field photographing, observing and sometimes sketching. I think the time spent studying movement, body language and other behavioral patterns give my paintings an authentic quality. Mixed into every piece are the memories and experiences involving the subjects that inspire my art. I think the universal “why” for any artist is a desire to tell a story, inspire people, describe life and show things to others. In some small way I hope my paintings can be an ambassador for the natural world and western lifestyle.
In addition to creating art that I emotionally connect with, I also take commissions. This choice has given me the opportunity to explore other subject matter such as architecture, landscapes and portraiture. It’s a wonderful feeling when someone connects with a painting, whether it’s one of my finished artworks or their own vision I helped bring to life.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Throughout history artists have taken on many roles. There were times when they were strictly artisans providing a service, employed to promote specific aesthetics and illustrate propaganda to encourage social progress. I think the modern artist can take on any of these roles but also has the freedom to infuse their art with individuality and use it to visually articulate how they view the world. Art can be shocking, thought provoking, disturbing and beautiful but every artist strives to tell a story through their work. As artists we have a duty to stay true to ourselves and tell our own story. I paint what I find beautiful and what I have an emotional connection to which is the richness and complexity of the natural world. Negativity and tragedy seem to get the most press which can make the future appear pretty bleak. The wonderful thing about art is it’s a form of communication that can transcend language barriers and bring people together. I want my art to soothe the soul.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I exhibit my work at several outdoor art shows throughout the year including the Woodlands Waterway and Bayou City art festivals. Prints are available on my website, www.laurenherr.com and people can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see new artwork and the story behind it, time-lapse videos and event updates.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenherr.com
- Email: lauren@laurenherr.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurenherrfineart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurenherrfineart
Image Credit:
Delinda Herr (personal photo), Lauren Herr.
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