Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Carrier.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I sewed my first dress in seventh grade for my neighbor who is in high school now but was then around nine. She wore her dress to church and I remember seeing her walk to the front of the sanctuary confident and excited in the dress I had made. I sewed my eighth-grade graduation dress, which looking back on was pretty rough, but I was so excited to have done it. In high school, I was really into schoolwork and making friends; I would do some creative things on my own but kept them very to myself. I think I thought they were a bit pointless for the phase of life I was in, but I definitely enjoyed them.
In my senior year of high school, I met my current best friend who introduced me to our high school theater program and costume design. I literally fell in love the moment I met everyone. The theater kids were so supportive, encouraging, and unique, they had learned how to be different and confident and I wanted that myself so badly. I ended up winning state in Costume Design my senior year and later took up the head costume designer role at a local college.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Well SCAD is my fourth college, so no it has not been a smooth road. I began college at NYU pursuing a degree in Journalism. I loved the prestige of it all, but could not escape the emptiness I felt from not doing something I was passionate about. I missed my family and friends and painted a lot to escape the way I felt. I soon left NYU to try something else, which was pretty hard for someone who prioritizes stability! I am so glad I did though because I really threw myself into art.
My friends and family at home were supportive of my decision and helped me open up my Etsy shop where I began painting canvas shoes for customers worldwide. I took painting classes and worked as the costume designer at a local college’s theater program. Working with actors and meeting other artists changed my perspective on art as a career. I have learned that the people I admire chase their passions and excel because they can be genuine in what they do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I recently finished a series of cow paintings from pictures I took in Switzerland last summer. The paintings have a lot of movement and texture, which is one of my favorite things about oil paint. I like to apply the paint with a palette knife so it goes on thick and textural. The Swiss Alps are chilly, windy, crisp, and a fond memory for me. My dad is a huge Lord of the Rings geek, and since learning about J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for Rivendell, we have visited the Berner Oberland almost every Summer. With the new Lord of the Rings series coming out, you can certainly expect more Swiss cow paintings from me in the future.
A more recent project I just finished is a film called “In The Nick of Time,” (ITNOT) a fantasy short film exploring time travel and broken relationships. The film is written by my brother, Joey, who I admire so much for his persistence and creativity throughout this project. As the costume designer, I created abstract paintings to represent two main characters, a young shaman and a curious performing arts student. I printed these paintings on different fabrics and then sewed my prints into unique articles of clothing that I felt suited the two characters. I was not alone in using my multiple major backgrounds for the production, as the ITNOT crew had people from a variety of majors using their insane talent and creativity to support this passion project.
What do you think about happiness?
I love to understand and support others. I find costume design so intriguing because I can analyze characters and match them with different people and mindsets. I also enjoy animals, which is why they take up so much space in my paintings! I have a cat named Kib that I have had for about 13 years, and he makes me very happy. His favorite show is Total Drama Island, which we have binged together multiple times.
Of course, the people in my life make me beyond happy. During COVID, my childhood best friend and I got really close again and she has inspired and encouraged me so much. Similarly, my brother, who is also my roommate, spends a lot of time listening to me complain and asking for validation, so I am very thankful for him for putting up with me. SCAD has given me lifelong friends I cannot imagine my time in Savannah without. They are loving, genuine, and funny, and keep me afloat among the ambitious projects I take on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lauracarrierarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraloo2d2/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LauraCarrierArts?ref=shop_sugg
