Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Jackson.
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the DMV in Northern Virginia right outside of Washington D.C. I’ve always felt lucky to have grown up in areas with such eclectic culture. However, when I was growing up, I was often sad lot because the community I grew up in wasn’t super diverse and for a long time I wasn’t able to see the power and beauty within myself. I think these experiences as a child are what drew me to art though, I was always looking for different ways to express myself in ways language and words always failed me. The ability to express myself through creative outlets became a refuge, a solace for me.
It was during high school that I began to see the power of art and an emerging confidence in myself, thanks to the guidance of a truly phenomenal art teacher, Ms. Fischer. She created a space where I felt seen and empowered every day as if art could shape and define pieces of my existence. This realization pushed me toward the Maryland Institute College of Art(MICA), where I finally sensed alignment with the life I felt most connected to lead.
I moved to Baltimore in 2016 to go to MICA and fell in love almost instantly. I feel continuous gratitude for the richness of this city. For the first time, I was embraced by a community that really saw me for who I am and truly loved me back. I feel blessed to be able to call this city home with its rich arts communities/culture, its grit, and most importantly the people of Baltimore. In Baltimore, I discovered a community that welcomed me with unparalleled warmth, fostering an environment conducive to personal and artistic growth.
MICA played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective as an artist and as an art educator. It wasn’t until learning from a few more amazing instructors at MICA that I recognized the importance of sharing knowledge and love for the betterment of others. I wholeheartedly believe it would be selfish of me to have such a wealth of knowledge and not share it with others. I think for a society to truly evolve, it starts with sharing love and knowledge. This led me to decide to attend grad school to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching during the pandemic. This was more than a professional decision, this was my first step to my commitment to pouring love and knowledge into the hearts and minds of future generations.
I started teaching visual art in 2022 at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. For me, teaching transcends the conventional notion—it is an act of love, an endeavor to create a haven where students feel not just educated and passed along, but they feel seen, cared for, and embraced unapologetically. Inspired by all the brilliant art teachers of my past, I am driven by the belief that a foundation of love is essential for students to blossom, be vulnerable, and find the courage to express themselves.
Real or important art can’t be made until you open yourself up to failure and learn through making. But that can’t happen, especially in a current/post-pandemic world until children feel they are in a brave space to vulnerable with themselves and others. To create an environment that’s conducive to growth and understanding, I open my classroom and curriculum to opportunities that reflect who they are and challenges that their future versions of themselves can succeed in.
In a world where sharing knowledge and genuine compassion might be seen as a lofty aspiration, I see it as the heartbeat of a thriving society.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m a firm believer that challenges are essential to real gratitude. Without hardships, I would never be able to look back on everything I’ve been able to persevere through and use that as a blueprint for the next hurdle that gets in my way.
My biggest obstacle is probably myself. While I may exude a certain level of confidence, overthinking and unrealistic expectations are something I struggle with daily. I’m sure I’m alone with this, but I think that’s why I’m grateful for my village of supporters that I keep close by to help me remind myself to stop and enjoy the blessing of life before I stress about the next thing on my long list.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I went to MICA and received a BFA in Printmaking with concentrations in Graphic Design and Book Arts. I would say I specialize in Print and Papermaking, specifically in woodcuts, letterpress, screenprinting, and making handmade paper or artist book editions. More recently though, without proper studio facilities, I’ve been painting and drawing a lot.
In my work, I focus on complex typographic and figurative solutions with bold compositions with an illustrative or narrative direction. I’m all about embracing the traditions of letterpress printing, figurative design, and hand typesetting with traditions of Black American cultures to help unfold ambitious narratives that are often overshadowed or non-existent in prominent spaces.
Currently, I am thinking about the intersections of art education and culture and how my work as a printmaker and designer might lend itself to building an art classroom that thrives on the different cultural makeup of my students and expels anti-Blackness in school institutions.
My intention with my work is always to speak openly and honestly about real experiences, often my own, or those that I’ve received permission to visually tell. Increased visibility of these first-person accounts of how life treats us is what helps me feel grounded in my humanness.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Others are more than willing to reach out to me by my website or email to collaborate with me or offer support. I’m particularly open to any collaboration or support that can also include the students I teach.
Also, most works on my website are for sale by inquiry only.
Contact Info:
- Website: laurenmjackson.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-m-jackson-668a73146/
