Lauren Luna
Lauren has always exemplified a successful independant artist. Her “other” profession is teaching, and as you’re about to read, Lauren definitely practices what she teaches. Keep an eye on her, if you can keep up!
Armed with just a palette knife and some oil paint, Lauren Luna explores the urban center of Houston. Capturing the hustle and bustle of the city, well-known landmarks, and hidden gems; its vibrancy and it’s energy. A regular overheard comment is, “You make the city, pretty!”
Tell us about yourself outside of the art world.
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio; moved to New York City after graduating from Kent State University with a bachelors in Fine Arts. I worked briefly at Bloomingdales in Visual Design, before starting my 20+ year teaching career. While teaching I went back to school and earned a Masters of Science in Special Education, had a son, moved back to Ohio, got married, got divorced, started a second Master’s degree program, moved to Houston, and completed my degree program to earn a Masters of Fine Arts. I’ve lived in a lot of places, I speak Spanish, I don’t like rude people. I’ve been told I have a “loud face”, meaning what I don’t say, is written all over my face. I’m back to working out and losing weight. Art is my life!
How did your art journey begin?
My earliest memories of art involve my mother and her garden. In Ohio, where I’m from, the soil is heavy with clay. My mom would landscape our yard, and in doing so, would dig up clumps of clay, which I would then sculpt into different things. Thankfully my parents were very supportive in my artistic inclinations, and signed me up for art classes, camps, etc, and by the age of nine, I knew I wanted to be a professional artist.
What are you doing with your art right now?
Working on a couple of commission projects. One of which is a 22′ x 14′ glass mural that will be installed outside Dallas. I am also giving talks about being a professional artist and all the many things it includes.
Do you have big plans/goals for the future?
I believe I may be doing some traveling this summer. Basically all my goals are art related and being self- sufficient with it. Once you work for yourself, it’s very hard to go back to working for someone else.
Do have you any big art plans?
I’m working on getting more of my work and merchandise mainstreamed.
Bonus Round!
If you didn’t work in your medium, what would you choose?
Maybe clay. I took several classes in high school and college sculpting clay.
What guidance would you offer to a budding or novice artist?
Do not give up. Make sure you have a way to support yourself, but keep making art at the same time.
Bonus Question! Anything wild and crazy that would raise eyebrows?
When I had a custom shoe line, I had a lot of celebrity clientele. LL Cool J, Pherrell Williams, Raekwon from Wu Tang Clan, Angela Simmons, just to name a few.
First Saturday Arts Market Corner
Has attending 1stSatArtMarket changed you and/or your art?
When I was deciding where to relocate, First Saturday Art Market would keep coming up within my research of Houston. It was partially the reason I ended up moving here. Connecting with Mitch has proven beneficial because of his vast network of art folks and not to mention the connections made with the regulars at the market.
What one take away would you like the public to know about 1stSatArtMarket?
Setting up and tear down of our booths is extremely laborious. But we come every month just for YOU!
Do you have any inspiring, incredible sales or connection stories you can share?
One December a man was chatting away on his phone, and came into my booth, looked around and walked back out. Came back about ten minutes later and said, “I want that, that and that!” Definitely a great day!
