Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Runge.
Laura, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My journey as an artist began more than three decades ago in my early years of life in Dallas. I had graduated with a BA in Journalism from Baylor University and was working in the corporate world.
Always having had a profound love for interior design, I spent many evenings flipping through design magazines to learn trends and gather inspiration. Because I could not afford to purchase beautiful furniture and art such as the ones I saw in magazines, I was continuously looking for ways to create the same looks on a dime. As a result, I painted my very first work of art to hang on my living room wall. From that point on, I spent a great deal of my free time experimenting with every avenue of painting that I could conceive – from works on canvas, handbags, and clothing to faux wall finishes and hand-painted furniture. Over the years, I supplemented my income with some of these creative avenues, including successful hand-painted handbag and greeting card lines.
Fast-forward 25 years and I had spent 16 years living out my dream job in Communications for Southwest Airlines – an industry, company, job, and people I adored passionately. However, I had an intense yearning to wake up each day and create with my hands. The decision to not only leave Southwest, but to take this enormous leap of faith to start a brand-new career as an artist was both exhilarating and terrifying. These emotions still ring true to this day.
Today, I am a full-time working artist striving to build a business which I believe embodies my gifts and my passions. I am thankful for a lifetime of living on a lean budget because I am certain I would not be an artist today if I had not experienced those challenges, which continuously fueled my creativity over the years. And now, life has come full circle. The interior design world that I have loved and followed all my life is now an integral part of my business. I have an amazing opportunity to work with both designers and individual clients who commission me to create special works of art for their spaces and projects. When I see my own work hanging on a wall in one of those settings, I am immensely grateful for playing a small role in contributing to the beauty that I only dreamed of all those years ago.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a self-taught artist and therefore I am constantly honing my craft by experimenting with both traditional and unconventional techniques and tools. I paint in acrylics, but often you can find hints of metallics, stains, powders, and various other touches in my work. I paint very much the way I live – with heart-pounding, deep-felt emotion. Some days are bold, brave, and brilliant – full of energy and clear direction. Other days are peppered with questions, quiet reflective moments, and cause to pause or redirect. And thus, my work ranges from the bold to the serene.
When I paint, I am motivated by incorporating meaning into my art. This is evidenced in both my angel wing and butterfly series, each which tug at my heartstrings. For me, angels represent hope, faith, comfort, love and compassion, often at times when we most need encouragement. And, the butterflies portray determination and courage, as their short lives are fraught with struggle until they learn to spread their glorious wings and soar. When I know a client has chosen a particular painting because of what it symbolizes for them, it brings special meaning to the piece. It is my hope that my paintings evoke the recipient’s own emotions and inspire them to reflect on their own journey through this priceless gift of life. I am currently working on an exciting concept that will combine art with meaning in an inspiring and new way. Stay tuned!
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I believe finding what makes you unique as an artist is one of the biggest challenges today. There are so many incredibly talented artists out there and with the current social media landscape, art is more readily available than ever (which is both a blessing and a curse). It’s important to be true to yourself. You might not fit into a particular style or box, but it is ok to break the rules. Find what works for you, and more importantly, what makes you stand out in the crowd.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find my work online at laurarunge.com, at Beau Arts Fine Arts in the Design District, and by appointment at my studio. Custom giclees are available through canvaskick.com. For notifications of my upcoming shows, including my annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Home Show; flash sales; and other events, send your email address to laura@laurarunge.com and follow me at @laurarungeart on Instagram and Facebook.
I am constantly working on new pieces, and I keep a large inventory of available paintings for clients to view and buy. Not only do I have large-scale works, but also an inventory of smaller works on both canvas and paper that are perfect for gift-giving and small spaces. I welcome commissions and collaborations for both corporate and residential spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: laurarunge.com
- Phone: (214) 215-6417
- Email: laura@laurarunge.com
- Instagram: @laurarungeart
- Facebook: laurarungeart
Image Credit:
Cameron Drinkwater Interiors/Nathan Schroder Photography.
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