To my friend,
In 2013, I was sitting in a course called Junior Studio. My college had structured Junior Studio to provide students with the opportunity to do independent exploration and research into the subjects of their work. It was meant to be open-ended and prepare us to build a body of work for our senior thesis.
My professor happened to be the Chair of the Fine Arts department. He was slightly intimidating, but I also appreciated the way he challenged me to think about my artwork. He limited the assignments in Junior Studio and often centered them around a point of reflection. We read books, articles, and reviews, watched films like Carrie, and went on field trips around the city.
In the spring semester, one of our assignments was to read a book called Just Kids by Patti Smith. I remember being immersed in the book instantly and finding myself transfixed by
. She opened a portal into the 70s New York City scene where art was the center of her life. And it wasn’t just the romanticization of it all that drew me in—but instead, the unwavering confidence to just lean in. To follow her curiosity about creativity.“I had no proof that I had the stuff to be an artist, though I hungered to be one.”
As I read, I learned that her unwavering confidence wasn’t self-built. It was fertilized by a community of artists she looked to for guidance and support. This was one of the greatest themes I kept with me. Something that has also become a core part of my creative practice.
The book details the rather deep creative bond (and love) she had with Robert Maplethorpe. They met at age 21. They weren’t creating the art the world would know them for. They were two people open to exploring creativity—supporting and offering guidance to each other as they developed their ideas and their work.
“I was attracted to Robert's work because his visual vocabulary was akin to my poetic one…”
I’ve held onto my copy of this book for ten years. And every once in a while, I go back to highlighted passages. It serves me as a reminder that seeking counsel—finding others to ask questions of, talk through pain points, and seek day-to-day support—is one of the greatest tools I have that can/has propelled me towards my values and goals. It’s the people around me who help me move from where I am to where I want to go, all while staying honest with myself and present in the process.
Connecting 1:1 with artists is one of the most life-giving acts for me. So much so, that I began mentoring other artists in 2020. I believe we aren’t meant to hold our creativity alone. Ideas flourish when they are watered by multiple rainfalls. I really do covet these types of relationships—to support artists in their growth and find lasting relationships. If you are seeking mentorship in your creative practice, I am excited to open the opportunity today to work together in 2024.
You can read more about my mentorship program here, and if you already know you are ready to begin working together, you can submit your interest here (spots are limited to 6 artists). I am always here to answer any questions you have, so please click reply to this email and I’ll greet you on the other side.
And if you’ve read Just Kids, I’d love to know!
Warmly,
Lauren
Currently reading: Bluets by Maggie Nelson
Currently making: this recipe
Just explored: this Van Gogh experience