Meet Lauren Rushing

We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Rushing recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I think everyone struggles with staying creative sometimes. There are so many creative people out there that it’s easy to feel like a fraud. To keep my creativity going, I like to look at magazines and follow my favorite artists. I love to dive into several genres of music. I think listening to the music who “made you” or “shaped you” is important, too. Learning is also really important to me. I like to watch documentaries and videos about different artists and art movements. I think it helps to learn about the history of different mediums, cultures, and artists because it inspires me to be more creative.

Trying new things is also really important to me. I used to only be into photography, but now I’m really into textiles and fiber art. It’s fun to try new things and work on projects with other people. Learning new things is what keeps me feeling creative.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Firstly, allow me to introduce myself – I am Lauren, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to sit down and chat with you.

I was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, but in 2012, I left for Denton, TX. These days, I call Fort Worth home, where I work as an art educator. My passion for creating started at a young age – I began dabbling in photography at just 11 years old and never looked back. Even back then, I saw the world through a lens, constantly seeking out those “film stills” that I felt were all around me.

As I got older, I became more interested in self-portraiture, using photography as a means of self-expression. I’d pair my images with poetry that captured the emotions I was feeling. Eventually, I started photographing people from all over Beaumont.

After leaving Beaumont to study art and design at The University of North Texas, I never returned. It was during this time that I fell in love with textiles, particularly abstract expressionism. When the pandemic hit in 2019, I found solace in my art, experimenting with various fiber techniques like weaving, tufting, punch needle, sewing, and embroidery.

Balancing two mediums has been a challenge, but I’ve learned to accept that I don’t have to choose just one. I’m currently selling my rugs and aiming to have my art showcased in an exhibit. Ultimately, my art is for me, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Surrealism, abstract expressionism, motivation/manifesting, and self-expression have all played a significant role in shaping my creative journey. If I could offer a piece of advice to those who are still on their own path, it would be this: remember that the journey never truly ends. There is always something new to learn, so keep yourself busy and never stop pushing the boundaries of your talents. Failure is inevitable, but it is often through these setbacks that we gain the most valuable lessons and insight. So, when you fall short, don’t be discouraged – keep moving forward and stay motivated. After all, it is through perseverance and dedication that we ultimately reach our destination.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Whenever I find myself feeling overwhelmed, I prioritize giving myself the space to simply “rest.” Truth be told, I experience this feeling quite often. I’ve come to realize that taking the time to rest, meditate, and journal is crucial in calming my mind and regaining my footing. Additionally, spending time in nature has proven to be incredibly beneficial in restoring my mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All photos taken by me, Lauren Rushing

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Developing the Power of Connection by Communicating Effectively

Effective communication is at the heart of so many successful projects, relationships, and endeavors. Given

Confidence
Building Blocks of Success: Confidence & Self Esteem

BoldJourney is all about helping our audience and community level up by learning from the

Resilience
Bouncing Back from Job Loss

Losing your job is painful and unfortunately the current economic conditions have led to many