We were lucky to catch up with Laura Bladen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Laura , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I didn’t know what imposter syndrome was until recently, I may have read about it somewhere or heard it on T.V., I’m not sure, but when I did, it totally resonated with me. I thought that what I was feeling was unique to me, I had no idea it had a name and that others were experiencing it as well. That in itself was a huge relief. I wasn’t alone.
Once I became aware of the syndrome, I made it a point to “put myself out there”, to risk rejection and not take it personally. Instead I used failure as a lesson learned. To try again, to try a different approach and to objectively critique my work to see where I could improve. The key take-away is that I learned that regardless of where we are on our creative journey, there is always room for improvement and lessons to be learned along the way. We shouldn’t fear criticism or be ashamed, we should embrace it.
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?
My 8 to 5 job is sitting behind computer screens working the the field of test equipment and electronic production supplies. While I love my job, I also need to feed my creative nature. I accomplish that by seeking out others who provide a connection with community and creativity.
I enjoy volunteering to help local non-profits, like The Awareness Project and Thrift for Good .
I teach painting at Hurst Marketplace and Creative Center, and have recently leased a retail space there to sell some of my artwork.
I host Bladen Hill Market as a pop-up venue for small businesses and individuals, so they have a place to sell and showcase their creations. Artists, Craftspeople and Cottage Industries are welcome.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
What is most impactful to me on my ongoing artistic journey is finding others who share my joy of the creative side of life. I want to stress that every person has a creative side, you just have to discover it. I have had people say to me “I can’t do what you do, I can’t even draw a straight line”. Guess what? Neither can I! You want a straight line, use a ruler, that’s what they’re for. It doesn’t matter how you express yourself, just that you take the time to do the things that nurture your soul. Be creative in the kitchen, in the garden, dance around your living room and sing along to your favorite song, What matters are the feelings of happiness, peacefulness, and positive energy that brings “rightness” to your world.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
The biggest challenge I have is balancing my need to work, and perform everyday grown-up chores with my desire to sit on the floor like a five year old and play with my paints. I need to give my five year old self the permission to come out and play more often, without feeling guilty for not making the bed or doing the dishes that day.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: [email protected]
- Linkedin: Laura Bladen
Image Credits
Laura Bladen City of Hurst
