We were lucky to catch up with Laura Garner Hine recently and have shared our conversation below.
Laura, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
As a woman navigating the complexities of our modern world, I have faced my fair share of struggles with confidence and self-esteem. Malcolm Gladwell famously stated, “It takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in anything,” and while I may not have reached that milestone yet, I have discovered that the journey itself is just as important as the destination.
One of the most effective ways I have learned to combat my anxiety surrounding self-worth is through action. When I feel the weight of self-doubt creeping in, I remind myself that the only way to grow is to engage with my passions. For me, that passion is art. In my younger years, I often found myself trapped in a cycle of negative self-talk. I would tell myself I wasn’t a “real” artist, that my work was subpar, and that I would never reach a level of proficiency I could be proud of.
To counter these feelings, I immersed myself in my craft. I spent countless hours in front of the easel, experimenting with different materials and techniques, all while striving to understand what I truly wanted to express through my art. This dedication certainly helped me build confidence in my painting abilities, but I often wish I had possessed the wisdom to change my inner dialogue back then. Instead of berating myself, I could have reframed my thoughts to be more constructive.
Today, I approach my creative process with a gentler mindset. Instead of thinking, “That painting didn’t turn out the way I intended,” I now ask myself, “What did I learn from this experience? Why does this outcome frustrate me? Time spent creating is never wasted; the more I practice, the more I grow and discover.” This shift in perspective has opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to see failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
However, the most significant transformation in my self-esteem and confidence has come from a place of self-acceptance and love. When you learn to appreciate yourself for who you are and what you can do, it becomes increasingly difficult for others to undermine your pride or cloud your achievements. While people and society may have their opinions, building a solid foundation of self-worth allows you to navigate those external judgments with grace.
At the end of the day, we all harbor fears and insecurities to some degree. Yet, the miracle of human existence is a powerful and all-encompassing experience. As I remind myself, “You are a ghost, driving a meat-covered skeleton made from stardust, riding a rock, hurtling through space. Fear nothing!” Embracing this truth has empowered me to celebrate my journey, imperfections and all, and to continue striving for growth in both my art and my life.
In this ever-evolving journey of self-discovery, I invite you to join me in cultivating a kinder inner dialogue and embracing the beauty of who we are. After all, the path to confidence is not a straight line but a winding road filled with lessons, growth, and the joy of creation.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
For the past decade, I have immersed myself in the world of cultural heritage and historic preservation, with a particular focus on fine art conservation. Currently, I serve as a Preparator in the curatorial department at the Columbia Museum of Art, where my role is both dynamic and fulfilling. Every day, I engage with the intricate logistics and meticulous preparations that ensure the safe handling and display of our treasured artworks.
In essence, my responsibilities revolve around the careful management of art within the museum’s collection, as well as the coordination of loans and temporary exhibitions. This involves a variety of tasks related to exhibition preparation, including installation and de-installation, shipping and receiving artworks, and collaborating closely with the Exhibition Designer to bring each exhibition to life. I take pride in orchestrating the logistics that allow art to be experienced and appreciated by the public.
My duties extend beyond mere logistics; they encompass the entire lifecycle of an artwork within the museum. I am responsible for the packing, unpacking, and crating of art objects, ensuring that each piece is treated with the utmost care. This includes purchasing necessary supplies, monitoring environmental conditions, and maintaining organized art storage areas and fabrication workshops. I also perform matting and framing, basic collections care, and cleaning of objects, all while managing the maintenance and repair of casework and platforms.
Collaboration is key in my role, as I work closely with curators, educators, registrars, and conservators. Together, we adhere to a strict code of ethics that prioritizes the safety and integrity of the artworks we handle. I assist in lighting exhibitions, install art across various media using accepted museum standards, and contribute to art inventories, all while ensuring compliance with OSHA and ADA regulations.
What truly drives me in this profession is my unwavering dedication to the arts. I am immensely proud to work in a field that not only fuels my passion but also inspires others. Each day, I witness the profound impact that art can have on individuals and communities, and I am honored to play a role in preserving and presenting these cultural treasures.
As a museum preparator, I am not just a caretaker of art; I am a steward of history and a facilitator of inspiration. My journey in this field has been a rewarding blend of creativity, collaboration, and commitment, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the vibrant world of cultural heritage for years to come.
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?
Curiosity, determination, and humor are the essential elements that shape my life. I am a perpetually inquisitive individual, driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and new experiences. Whether I am immersing myself in a new interest, venturing into unfamiliar places, or relentlessly questioning the world around me, I approach every opportunity with a sense of openness that fills me with pride. Life, after all, is a vast array of experiences, and I am eager to explore every facet of it.
Now, regarding determination, I have always had a tendency to challenge the notions of “no” and “impossible.” If I received a dollar for every time someone doubted my capabilities, I could likely finance my own journey to Mars! However, my resilience is unwavering; I refuse to surrender easily. This tenacity has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles, allowing me to navigate challenges with the resolve of a determined engine. Each rejection has only intensified my desire to find alternative paths or, quite frankly, to push through barriers.
Humor plays a vital role in my life as well. In moments of difficulty, laughter serves as a powerful remedy. When reflecting on the vastness of the universe, many of our struggles seem trivial and even amusing. It is essential to recognize that we often find ourselves in situations that, upon reflection, are simply absurd.
For those embarking on their own journeys, I encourage you to reconnect with your inner child. As we mature, it is easy to become disillusioned and weighed down by adult responsibilities, losing sight of the curiosity, determination, and humor that once came so naturally. I often draw inspiration from my four-year-old daughter, whose endless curiosity and unwavering determination remind me of the joy and resilience we can all cultivate.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
In my early twenties, I encountered “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho, and it left a significant impression on me. The themes within the narrative resonated with the melodies I carry in my heart. The book is woven with numerous beautiful concepts that deeply connect with me, such as gratitude, hope, dreams, love, intuition, and wisdom. It is filled with inspiring quotes and passages that I could easily enumerate, but I will share just a selection of my favorites.
“Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.”
“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”
“The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbylaura.net
- Instagram: @lauragarnerhine
- Facebook: Laura Garner Hine
Image Credits
Photography by Columbia Museum of Art/ Drew Baron
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