Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hua.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Thank you for having me! Although an abstract interior design artist, I started far from the creative field. I used to be a Registered Nurse. I had always been inclined towards the arts, placing in county fairs and winning several awards in high school, but like many young creatives, I was steered towards a more stable career. And so I walked down the predictable path until I was hit with crippling anxiety during COVID. At the time, I was a mess; nothing seemed to help, and soon, my anxiety was joined by depression. Shaken from losing control, I sought to reclaim my balance through painting. Soon, every wall in our home was covered with paintings. It was comforting to have something to focus on and to make something beautiful. That was when Starfish Home Staging discovered me. The owner, Kathleen, had come during a consultation and saw some of my paintings. “Who did these?” she asked. I told her I did. “These are amazing! I would love to work with you.” She told me. This gave me the confidence to think, “Hey, maybe I can create things other people would enjoy.” Then, I was landing commissions. Soon after, I was accepted into several galleries and showed at exhibitions in Austin, Texas. It has been a round-about journey, but I am so grateful and blessed to be able to pursue my passion finally.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Has it been an easy path? Easy would not be one of the adjectives I’d use to describe it. An emotional roller coaster would be a more accurate description! In my past life, I would put in my hours and knew I would receive a paycheck every two weeks. Art is anything but predictable. Sometimes, you have a show and multiple commissions lined up, and then the next month, your schedule is crammed and packed with nothing. It is an act of perseverance because you can put hours and weeks and burn every ounce of brain power into trying to further your career and see no results. Another thing that can be a struggle is “Imposter Syndrome.” Because I didn’t come from a prestigious art school or have any professional training, it’s easy to listen to that voice that tells me I’m not good enough. That I just got lucky. Or, after watching a fantastic artist’s video, I fell into a slump because, in my mind, I’d never measure up. I would always be better. But after a deep breath and possibly some chocolate, I remind myself that it’s about the journey. Incrementally or enormously, there is always progression in hard work. There is no such thing as regression. Even if you fail, you still learn something at the end of the day, which helps me through the challenges of the artist’s life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Well, I am a contemporary abstract painter. I draw inspiration from the perfectly symmetrical asymmetry in life and the world around me. It’s one of the reasons why I embrace the flexibility and fluidity of the abstract realm. There is freedom that allows for spontaneity and takes joy in its organic, unpredictable nature. Because of how I got my start in home staging art, I specialize in large, statement pieces with a mind towards interior design. I paint with the home designer in mind. What sized painting would be needed to fill up that long hallway? What would be the perfect statement painting for that entryway? My paintings are geared towards versatility; many are done in diptych or triptych sets. Like the “Koi Pond” diptych I recently created for the “Heart of Nature” exhibition at the Vaughn Art Gallery, I intentionally designed it so it could be hung horizontally or vertically. That way, they can be hung on the same wall, multiple different walls to tie in a room, or even be used individually. I also use a calming, subtle, neutral color palette to blend into multiple décor aesthetics seamlessly. What people tend to be drawn to and have frequently commented on is my use of texture. I love the tactile nature of textures, so I use bold applications of modeling paste and mixed media to add dimension to my pieces. And while I typically use softer, neutral colors, my signature uses pops of metallics, whether in paint or gold and silver foil. It adds a tasteful, eye-catching element to the elegant design. I am not meant to shock and awe but to give the viewer a calm, muted joy. Through my art, I try to convey that even though I diverged from the stereotypical life path, I still try to honor where I came from. As an Asian American woman, I use art to blend my American upbringing with my Asian heritage. I don’t think people outside of Texas understand how welcoming and multicultural Texas is. With my East meets West painting style, I give homage to the place where I’ve truly been able to flourish.
Do you have any big plans?
Much of my plans for the future are dedicated to expanding my reach and growing my audience. I want to create and build relationships with gallery curators, local businesses, and designers. Original art is a frequently overlooked opportunity for anyone to elevate their space. Reproductions of paintings tend to seem flat and lifeless, while there is a certain draw to original art that prints need to improve. Having that piece in your establishment gives a sophisticated, upscale feel. I don’t charge my partners a thing because it’s an excellent opportunity to expand my audience and gives me the space to create new content. In exchange for a free painting rental, I ask the establishment to put an informational placard next to it. It’s a win-win for all parties involved, and I hope to be able to find more businesses to work with.
Along with developing as an artist and defining what that means to me, I’m looking forward to starting my new series, “Tenuous Promises.” This series will focus on what always was and always has been, such as the changing of seasons, the stone from the earth, and falling rain. These are things that what we take for granted will always be, but are they truly? With climate change shifting the seasons and droughts occurring nationwide at an alarming rate, will these things continue to be as enduring as we always assume them to be? Or are they tenuous promises? Other than that, my plan for the future is to keep moving forward. To keep striving, to keep creating and persevering.
Pricing:
- Limited Edition Prints $40+
- Small-Medium Sized Paintings: $75+
- Large Paintings: $1,000-$3000
- Open for Commissions: Pricing is dependent on the complexity and size of the art
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenhua.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abstractwren
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abstractwren
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