Meet Laura Flores | Artist & Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career as an artist. My grandpa often asked me about my future plans, so I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do from a very young age. Despite facing discouragement from other adults about pursuing art as a career, I had unwavering support from my family. I strongly believe that following one’s passion leads to a fulfilling career. As a result, I chose to teach art as a way to share my love for the craft and inspire others to discover their own passion for art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am a sculptor specializing in creating interactive art that challenges traditional boundaries. In my work, I intentionally encourage interaction, going against the common notion that art should not be touched. Lately, I have been immersing myself in exploring textures and the diverse emotions they convey. This newer direction in my art is more abstract compared to my previous work, which mainly focused on human-to-body interaction. I find it to be more intellectually stimulating. Crafting a narrative solely through textures and color choices poses a significant challenge, but the result is undeniably rewarding.

In my professional experience, the art world places great emphasis on networking. Progress is significantly impeded without the establishment of meaningful connections, and as an introverted individual like myself, I must admit I have struggled a bit. However, I recognized the necessity of active engagement within the art community. Over time, I have learned the importance of promoting my work through social media and attending art shows. I have also taken on the role of a pottery instructor.

 As an instructor, I have experienced significant personal growth. My role has provided me with valuable opportunities to communicate with people of all ages and has improved my ability to interact with strangers. It is incredibly rewarding to see my students enjoy themselves and create their own unique pieces. Teaching has also honed my skills in explaining artistic concepts to cater to the needs of our students. I am truly grateful for the chance to instruct and for the skills I have gained from this experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I envision a captivating art-filled excursion that involves exploring our diverse art museums. Our journey would commence at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, where we would indulge in a delightful dining experience. We would then venture to the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, immersing ourselves in current artistic expressions. Our next stop would be the Lawndale Art Center, followed by a visit to my favorite gallery, The Silos, where we would visit the charming Silos Brewing Co. A visit to the esteemed RedBud Gallery and a leisurely picnic at the Menil. To conclude our art-filled adventure, we would savor a warm matcha latte at my favorite spot, Honey Art Cafe. Our itinerary could also encompass interactive art venues such as Seismique and DoodleLand, two fairly new and most modern types of art galleries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support provided by my mother throughout my journey. Her influence has been pivotal in nurturing my passion for art from a young age. She encouraged my artistic pursuits and ensured that I had access to all the necessary art supplies, fostering my creativity and skill development. When I made the decision to pursue an art career and attend graduate school, she stood by me every step of the way, offering her guidance and assistance to help me reach my goal. She is an exceptionally hardworking mother and an inspiring role model, and I owe much of my current success to her.

I am incredibly grateful for the consistent support of my fiancé. His presence at every art show and proactive approach in seeking out opportunities and connections on my behalf have been crucial in advancing my artistic pursuits. I admire his ambition, not only in his own career but also in supporting mine. His confidence in my abilities and his thought-provoking questions have significantly enhanced my self-assurance as an artist and served as a deep well of inspiration.

Website: lfloresart99.wixsite.com/artist

Instagram: www.instagram.com/interabject.arts/