Rediscovering passion for your art with Cara Lazare
Hi dear readers. Today I’m excited to share with you an interview I did with printmaker, Cara Lazare. Cara decided early in life that she wanted to become an artist. She moved full speed ahead on this goal, creating her beautiful prints until she hit a wall. All of a sudden her creativity left her.
In this post I talk to Cara about how she was able to rediscover her passion and reconnect with her creativity. I know this is a topic that resonates with all of us.
Enjoy the read! And if you’d like to learn more about this topic check out:
Hi Cara! What led to you becoming a printmaker?
I feel very fortunate to have parents who supported my dreams to pursue art at a pretty young age. I happened upon an introductory printmaking course in college which studying painting. This quickly led me to change my major. I spent majority of my time in the print studios and knew it was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
My family also has a long history in the print industry. My great grandfather owned his own print shop and my grandfather and father followed suit. I grew up running around print warehouses and loving the smell of ink. I’m now a fourth generation commercial printer as well as fine art printmaker. It’s in my blood!
And what is your design process like?
I take inspiration from anything with a unique pattern, especially organic patterns found in nature. I love the fact that flowers can seem so symmetrical from afar, yet each petal can be its own shape and size if you look close enough.
I keep a journal with me in case an idea pops into my head and enjoy using an iPad and pen for designing symmetrical mandalas. When working on the iPad I am able to approach my work from a more intuitive place. I’m not worrying so much about making a mistake since the delete button is right there!
What is it that’s unique about your work and your business? What makes you stand out?
Such a tough question! Nature is always cycling and always imperfect yet beautiful, which so am I. My work portrays that idea that I am my own incredible force, just like nature, and will ebb and flow through life.
I am also adherent to the traditions of my craft. I focus on being apart of every aspect of my work, even sewing my own textiles. I love being able to say ‘I did all of this on my own’. And I believe that quality shows brightly.
A lot of artists burn out. You’ve been vocal about how you rediscovered passion for your work after a break and have pushed forward stronger than ever. Can you tell us about that?
It’s not easy, let me tell you. There are times where creativity just doesn’t come, the studio gets too messy, and life gets in the way. I know I will continue to battle with my mental health. That said, I’ve learned over the years that creativity always flows again.
Sometimes we need to allow ourselves time to step back, process, and heal. Too many people burn themselves out on the idea that they must be productive all the time. They believe that anything else will mean they are lazy.
To my fellow artists, make sure to take time for yourself. It’s perfectly okay not be okay all the time.
What were the signs? What made you think that you were losing your creativity?
My creativity doesn’t go away all of a sudden. It’s a progression, often times triggered by stress. Depression creeps in and removes the creativity little by little. And then it’s gone for a time until I can recapture it.
Rebuilding creativity is not an easy feat. Sometimes the spark comes on like a flick of a switch. I think it gets better with time and by utilizing coping skills.
Did you think about pursuing another career path while you were in a funk? What helped you rediscover your creativity?
Never! I’ve never felt like I needed to do something different. My love for art and my medium doesn’t go away just because I’m not feeling creative.
Having a sound support system is the biggest reason I rediscovered my creativity. My partner is so incredibly supportive of what I do. Totally my number one fan! He allows me to talk through how I’m feeling and helps bring me back to myself. I also feel better when I get myself out of the house and take in fresh air. Walking my pup makes such a difference. It works wonders.
How do you feel your work has evolved since rediscovering your creativity?
I’ve made time to get together with fellow artists, which has led to a ton of creative brainstorming. I’ve also realized that I don’t have to do everything all at once. I can work on one goal at a time, taking small bites. I’m learning not to overwhelm myself. I do what I want to do at my own pace. The support from my family, friends, and community will be there regardless of where my path leads.
What are your future goals?
Im currently working on organizing a few workshops as well as establishing more of an online presence. I’d like to get into larger art fairs down the road. That goal is steadily being accomplished! The biggest goal for myself though is being able to create and sell my art full-time.
How can readers reach out to you?
I’m readily available on Instagram and via e-mail. And for those in the metro Detroit area, I’m always popping up around town. Look out for a new website this year!