Today, I have the honor of presenting an interview that comes from Williamsburg, Virginia. Lara Morrison is a talented Abstract Artist and Photographer who excels at capturing the fine details of her surroundings with her very own unique approach. Serving as her muse, the beauty of the world provides the perfect formula for her visually stunning images. As you browse through Lara’s images below, I think you’ll agree that she’s quite accomplished at her craft.
Lara, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us and thank you so much for all your thoughtful responses. It’s not every day we get a behind the scenes view of someone with such skill and expertise.
If you’d like to learn more about Lara, please visit her website. You can also follow her on Twitter.
Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?
Hello, my name is Lara and I absolutely love creating through photography and art.
Where is home?
Williamsburg has been my home for the last 15 years. I was born in Woodland Hills, California and grew up living in Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela, and The Netherlands.
After browsing through your website, I see that you’ve built up an extensive collection of wonderful abstract art and photography. What is it that led you toward these fields and how long have you been working in them?
I started drawing abstract art eight years ago. It happened spontaneously and I wanted to continue because it was so much fun.
I have always been interested in photography. I was so excited to get my first digital camera when I was sixteen. I took photography classes in high school and studied cinema for a while in college. For the last two years, I have moved into creating fine art photography.
Are you formally-taught or self-taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?
I would describe myself as both. I took art classes in school but did not find my love for abstract until later.
For the photography, in addition to the classes in high school, I learned a lot from my film courses in college. I studied composition, aesthetics, editing, the history of film, and took part in films being made on campus.
Are you satisfied with your choice of getting involved with this industry? Is there anything else you would rather be doing?
From a young age, I wanted to be an artist. I am a very visual person and mostly think in pictures. I am allowing myself to do something I truly, wholly love.
In regard to your abstract art, what types of mediums do you work with?
I enjoy using markers, pen, and acrylic.
What is the inspiration for your art and photography?
I may be thinking, “Hmm, what am I going to draw next?” and suddenly a completed image will flash before my eyes. Sometimes, I write down the idea or draw out a rough sketch so I can remember.
The photography is inspired by the beauty of the world. Sometimes, it feels like a certain detail is beckoning me and everything else goes out of focus. I am drawn into it.
How do you choose what you are going to shoot?
I want to share the most beautiful thing I can find, whether it be delicate, colorful, detailed, or different.
When shooting subjects, what do you find most challenging?
I have Asperger’s and am sensitive to loud sounds, bright lights, and physical touch. If it starts to rain and a drop of cold water hits my neck it is painful. If a loud train passes by I am scared. The stimuli can distract me from the moment and I may have to take a break to recompose myself.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
One of my first experiences with macro was photographing grass after the rain. The sun was sparkling light off the water droplets and I was amazed at what I could see through the lens. Wow, I never knew grass was so beautiful! This captured my interest in macro and I will never forget how I felt.
Which artists and photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, body of work and career path?
The strongest influence on my art is my mother. She is an amazing artist and also supported my creativity.
How do you keep yourself motivated and your work fresh?
The motivation comes from the enjoyment of either creating or sharing the works.
Share with us your favorite images and why.
Two of my favorite photographs are, “A Shot at Life” because of the detail and “Autumn” because of the sweetness and balance. One of my favorite drawings is “Stealth” because of the boldness of the black and white and how all the pieces flow together.
Was there a point in your artistic journey when you started to feel really good about your work? If so, what did it feel like to get past that “tipping point?”
When I discovered abstract, I knew I found something I truly loved.
Do you have any projects that make you look back and shake your head? What made the experience so unpleasant?
I try to focus on the positive. I am so excited about what is next!
What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I would like to delve more deeply into macro, travel to new places for photography, and go crazy with paint.
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