Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Flores.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a very young age, I have been drawn to the world of art. Creating one-of-a-kind pieces using both traditional and unconventional materials have always been my passion. Over the years, I have experimented with a range of mediums, including clay, paint, crayons, scrap fabric, sticks, and latex, to bring my vision to life. My mother has been my unwavering supporter, encouraging me to take art classes throughout my academic journey. In high school, I pursued Advanced Placement (AP) Art, which helped me hone my skills. Later, I enrolled in Houston Baptist University’s prestigious art program, where I refined my abilities in both traditional techniques and digital art methods. My peers played a crucial role in my artistic growth during my time at the university, pushing me to explore new ideas and expand my creative boundaries.
I am someone who strongly believes in the transformative power of art, and I find great joy in sharing my passion with others. After obtaining a master’s degree in art, my goal was to become an art professor and inspire and encourage aspiring artists to excel in their creative pursuits. I currently teach ceramics, with a focus on wheel throwing. Witnessing my students develop a love for art during my classes is an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Art is not just a hobby or job; it is a way of life that constantly pushes me to explore new avenues of expression and challenge the boundaries of the medium.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pursuing a career in art has been one of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences in my life. I knew from a young age that it would not be an easy path, but I was determined to follow my passion. Unfortunately, people often have a preconceived notion that becoming an artist is impractical and unstable, which made it even more difficult for me to pursue my artistic dreams.
Even after obtaining my art degree, I still receive negative comments about my career choice. However, I firmly believe that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m grateful that I get to make a living doing something I’m passionate about, and teaching art was a secure way for me to continue being creative while having a steady income.
The art world can be tough on artists, and finding jobs and getting accepted into exhibitions can be challenging. But I have learned that networking and promoting your work can make all the difference. In today’s digital age, artists have the opportunity to gain a following by sharing their work online and connecting with other artists and art enthusiasts.
Although pursuing an art career can be challenging and uncertain, it’s a fulfilling and rewarding path that has allowed me to express myself creatively and contribute to the world in my unique way. I would encourage anyone who has a passion for art to follow their dreams and pursue their artistic goals despite the challenges that may arise.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in sculpting and digital art, with a focus on exploring how we interact and function with our environment. My work is centered around life’s unique traits and experiences to create a closer look at what it means to be human. I create bodily sculptures, installations, and digital pieces that engage the five senses. My work is both humorous and based on scientific understanding, compelling viewers to interact with it in a meaningful way.
One of my more well-known projects is a series of phonic shirts that I designed during the last semester of my master’s degree. These shirts feature images of phonics printed on them, which create words that I hear most often in descriptions of my art, such as “weird,” “quirky,” “interactive,” and “sublime.” I wanted to capture these words in a subtle yet interactive way, allowing viewers to engage with them and my art simultaneously.
I am most proud of my three-foot papier-mache sculpture shaped like lips, titled ‘Taste Me’. The sculpture is entirely candy-coated, with jellybeans and sugar pearls glued onto it one by one, making it visually appealing and pleasant-smelling. Technically, it is also edible, so one can taste it if they desire. I believe that using these unique materials sets me apart from other artists, as it’s something that viewers have never seen before.
How do you think about luck?
I’d say I’m a pretty lucky person. I’m fortunate enough to have been accepted into Houston Baptist University, and I’m lucky enough to have received a scholarship and loans to afford my education. I am grateful for having such great peers who wanted to help me succeed by sharing my name and getting me this interview with you guys. My life has been filled with luck, and even when bad luck strikes, I’m fortunate enough to have found a way to resolve it.
Contact Info:
- Website: lfloresart99.wixsite.com/artist
- Instagram: instagram.com/interabject.arts/
