Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Laturell.
Hi Leah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in middle GA with my parents and two younger siblings. As a young adult and graduate from the Georgia Southern University art program, I moved around a bit, unable to find my footing, until finally, and happily, settling in Athens, GA with my husband and three kids! Through all the shifting seasons of my life, my faith in Jesus and art have remained my steady constants.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t lie, there are so many of these it’s hard to pinpoint one thing! First off, like so many young mothers, I am always busy. Busy with the kids, with our home, with my career as a middle school art teacher, and all the activities and demands that come along with those things. It can seem impossible to find time and space to escape to my art studio, which is why I do most of my work from 10pm into the small hours! But even in the face of all the busyness and exhaustion of life, taking that time away to create, to put my heart and soul onto the canvas, it’s worth it.
Not only that but from a mental and emotional standpoint, putting yourself out there as an “artist” is daunting. It’s easy to fall prey to the fear of being judged by peers, from disapproval of my work, or just feeling like a fraud some days. Thankfully, the support and encouragement I receive from the people I love most has given me the confidence it takes to keep pushing forward. And speaking of support, I can’t adequately describe the feeling of seeing my artwork hanging in the perfect spot of a client’s home. It’s thrilling and joyful and can even bring me to tears! It feels me with such gratitude, which is another way I’m able to overcome the sneaking insecurities.
Lastly and briefly- social media!! I’m not proficient at all the posting, but it’s a must for artists these days! It’s one of the reasons I’m so grateful for gallery owners, small and large, and magazine journalists like at Voyage, who help artists get the exposure they need!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Though I use mixed media occasionally, most of my work takes form in acrylic paint on gallery-wrapped canvas. I always find it difficult to “define my style,” because ultimately I believe style should never be boxed into a certain category, but if I had to describe my work I would say I lean into contemporary realism with a whimsical flare. I’m not trying to prove anything or make any statements with my work, I just want to bring joy, interest, and beauty into peoples’ homes. One thing that sets me apart is my ability to create original art, as well as bring a special moment, place, or pet to life on the canvas by commission.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Not only that but from a mental and emotional standpoint, putting yourself out there as an “artist” is daunting. It’s easy to fall prey to the fear of being judged by peers, from disapproval of my work, or just feeling like a fraud some days. Thankfully, the support and encouragement I receive from the people I love most, has given me the confidence it takes to keep pushing forward. And speaking of support, I can’t adequately describe the feeling of seeing my artwork hanging in the perfect spot of a client’s home. It’s thrilling and joyful and can even bring me to tears! It feels me with such gratitude, which is another way I’m able to overcome the sneaking insecurities.
Lastly and briefly- social media!! I’m not proficient at all the posting, but it’s a must for artists these days! It’s one of the reasons I’m so grateful for gallery owners, small and large, and magazine journalists like at Voyage, who help artists get the exposure they need!
Contact Info:
- Website: LeahLaturell.com
- Instagram: @leahlaturellart
- Facebook: Leah Laturell Art
