Story & Lesson Highlights with Laura Irmis of Saint Petersburg

Laura Irmis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Laura, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up before sunrise to get my boys off to school, then I head directly to my private studio.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
On new years day, I decided to quit my teaching position with PCS to focus on my own ceramic art. Now, as a full-time ceramic artist, I am focused on creating functional work that uses design research. With my graphic design background, I explore space in surface design on my pottery using abstract styles of underglazes while overlapping decals of motifs that represent a deeper meaning. Typically combining wheel-thrown vessels with hand-building I strive to find the perfect balance for my personal story of lineage, motherhood, and exploration.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
As an artist, how can you not be inspired by the people who shape you? As a young child, I was adopted by my grandmother, and as a strong, independent woman, she taught me the world and how to live in it. She used to hang my drawings on the walls of our home and made me feel validated. As a teacher and musician herself, she knew the importance of expression. I have her to thank for my career.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
This is a great question. As a woman, these times are tumultuous. As an artist, I feel the need to support women and our rights through my expression. I would have told myself to believe in myself and not get trapped by others’ opinions. To feel important even when the world doesn’t.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As an older artist still living in St. Petersburg, Florida, I have seen fads, shifts, and other community changes come and go; it’s ever-changing. I believe it is important to keep moving inward and forward to focus on my story. Understanding personal stories in art is what makes the art valuable. It’s really not about the temporary fads, it’s about the perspective of the artist.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I will never regret making art, it is in my soul. Creating feels vital to my survival, like breathing. It’s not something I pursue, it pursues me.

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