Lauren Moss is an Austin-area Mixed Media Artist. I have had the privilege to meet her and experience her art live.  She is in the beginning years of her career as an artist.  Lauren is strongly predisposed to drawing and she creates first and foremost in graphite. Colored pencils, paint and printmaking inks are also mainstays in her art.  She bases her artworks on stories from her own life and these are easy to relate to.  I am pleased to be able to publish this interview to share Lauren's perspective with more people who may find that they also resonate with her art on some level(s).

Artist, Lauren Moss at Art Show in Austin, TX

When did you first come to think of yourself as an artist?

I have always thought of myself as an artist but truly fought against myself in the full embodiment of the concept.  It wasn't until after having my daughter and some much needed soul searching that I finally accepted the terminology as being the title that I should hold and use.  It was after the move down to Central Texas that I seriously started pursuing my career as an Artist.

Tell me about your first experience creating art:

The first time I began to create art was monumental.  I literally lost all sense of time and space and became one with the inspirational muse that flowed through me.  It was incredible and awe inspiring and in that particular moment I fell hard, head over heels in love with the experience.  

Why mixed media? 

I love the fact that mixed media marries all of my favorite mediums into a flexible fun way to create.  I do not have to stick to one area of expertise to create art, I can combine three or more areas into a piece to have a coherent and flowing space.

Pelvic Thrust  © Lauren Moss

How do you define your style of art, and how does it stand apart from other established styles?  

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Robyn specializes in creating Mixed Media, Abstracts and Altered Art. Formerly a professional belly dancer until a horrible motorcycle accident ended the dancing and put her into a wheel chair, Robyn Ann Weinrib fell into a terrible depression until she became angry and determined enough that, 

"in spite of the doctors saying I'd never walk again I hired a physical therapist and walked.. for 20 years. I'm back in the wheelchair but a much happier camper as I found another creative outlet and that is Art."

 In direct relation to art she says,

 "I overcame depression because of art...I want to try to help anyone who might be facing some adversity.. Maybe my story will help someone."

Tell me about your first experience creating art.

My first experience was finger painting as an adult.. I love it so much. It brought me out of my depression to seek out more ways of making art.

How long have you considered yourself an artist? 

Only three years. There have been many artists I met the last few years that have been a big influence, mostly my teachers.

Butterfly Reunion, Mixed Media Clayboard Creation

What things inspire you to create art? 

Taking online work-shops, viewing other peoples’ work, nature and reading books on art.  It all comes from my heart

Tell me about your creative process.

I work with Acrylics, Neo Color Crayons, Watercolors, watercolor pencils and anything else I can get my hands on.   If I'm doing a whimsy gal I'll just draw her on my substrate. Sometimes this takes hours. Then I use my Neo Color crayons and block in her face. I use a real watery glaze of Titanium white next and then after that I just do my shading. It's a very minimalist approach compared to other artists.

What exposure do you have for your art? 

I own an online art group and Etsy. I also promote my creations in some small craft stores in my  neighborhood

What is the most annoying remark made to you about your art?  

When someone just says "It's nice," that means in my head that they don't really like it.. it annoys me because they should just tell it like it is.

Have you sold any of your artworks?

Yes, a few for friends who commissioned me.

What Will it Take

I own an online store for scrap-booking and art supplies, the Outlaw Women Scrapbook Emporium, where you pay under-retail prices. I own a large art group and Facebook group and am currently configuring a showroom/shop for people like me who aren't all that seasoned to sell their artwork and crafts... it is for women. I'm back in the wheelchair but happier then hell because of art.

Find Robyn online…. 

Website/Blog: Robyn's Fetish Shop , Discount Club for art supplies

and Robyn's Fetish Blog

Etsy/ Facebook IDiditCreations

and  Robyn Ann Creations on FaceBook

Still Too Much

all images © Robyn Ann Weinrib