Artist Spotlight: Laura Reilly
Hello, all! Welcome back to the blog. I am back with another artist spotlight. This week’s featured artist is Laura of Laura Reilly Calligraphy. I had the privilege of working with Laura last year when she did the cover art for my book, Wildflowers in Watercolor. She is a calligrapher and illustrator from Indianapolis. Laura took my vision for the book cover, inspired by prairie wildflowers in the height of summer, and brought it to life so beautifully. It was so wonderful to work with her, and I am excited to share our interview with you today.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you most like to use your art in your life.
I’m a wife and homeschooling mom of four, so currently my art is helping supplement our income so I can stay home and homeschool! Even though art functions as a job for me right now, I love the process of taking someone else’s vision for an art piece and making it come to life. It’s a fun challenge and I get to continually expand my skills and practice new ways of doing things. I like to apply the creative process and my artistic skills to DIY projects around the house as well, making it look beautiful without spending a lot! It’s so satisfying.
What has been your biggest inspiration for your art?
I just have always appreciated art that celebrates the little things in life and showcases the normal things as beautiful things. When I was first learning to paint, I was most inspiring by Van Gogh and Norman Rockwell. One of them turned normal wheat fields and normal people into evocative paintings that impacted people for centuries, and the other told stories of his time with illustrations of very ordinary people in very ordinary situations that helped a country feel connected and nostalgic in a difficult period of history. So when I paint for people’s weddings and homes, I love that I get to turn something “ordinary” into art that celebrates how beautiful the little things are.
What is inspiring you most at this point in time?
Being a mom has definitely brought into perspective of how fast time goes and how sweet the ordinary moments are, so when I create art for people, I love that I’m helping to preserve their sweet moments as special memories!
How do you keep your creative practice fresh?
I follow a lot of artists on social media and try to learn new techniques and skills by experimenting on my own and learning from others. I really enjoy trying new things and know I still have a lot to learn- so I just practice!
What words of wisdom would you give young creatives?
The best way to be an artist is to make art. Everyone starts somewhere, and there will always be someone way ahead of you- so instead of comparing yourself to people, just learn from them! Enjoy the creative process and don’t be afraid to make a lot of mistakes. Learn from others but find your own style and own it.
Connect with Laura:
Laura’s Art
Laura’s cover art of Wildflowers in Watercolor:
More artwork by Laura (from Facebook):
Thank you so much for sharing with us here, Laura. It was wonderful to have you here, and I’m wishing you all the best. Keep creating!
Katie
