We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Wood a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Laura , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I am fortunate to have two very supportive parents and this is the foundation for keeping a positive sense of self. My participation in dance from an early age was also a source of motivation and accomplishment and taught me the value of self discipline. Working towards a performance together with other peers was very rewarding and contributed to feeling confident.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My work in contemporary jewelry is largely influenced by a background in the performative arts. I enjoy creating sculptural forms for the body while also engineering jewelry styles for comfort and all day wear. The work appeals to Individuals who enjoy honing a personal style and aren’t afraid to make a statement.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Working in the service industry for independently run restaurants and later retail stores gave me a lot of insight to small business. I quickly learned how to make conversation with people, multi-task and innovate. So many of the skills I have for maintaining a small business came from these previous jobs. I would encourage emerging makers to grow at an organic pace and protect your time in order to explore and take risks. Seeking out business courses and strategies for financial planning are also key in learning how to sustain an art practice. There is a lot of free content out there and now there are also plenty of podcasts that coach on this topic. Work hard to eliminate self doubt and surround yourself with people who are supportive of you!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaboration is a pillar in my creative practice. I am always open to working with others towards a creative goal. I am of the mindset that nobody grows alone and value community building. My studio schedule is very regimented but I make time throughout the year for collaborative projects. Currently, I am working with Rite of Passage Clothing on a Dream Day photo campaign that features our collections and highlights various small businesses in Asheville, NC. If our visions align and there is an opportunity to do something fresh and exciting I am always open to the conversation!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurawoodstudios.com
- Instagram: @laurawoodstudios
- Facebook: laurawoodstudios
Image Credits
Photographer, Lucy Plato Clark (models), LOAM (objects)
