Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Black.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Laura. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I did not enter the fine art world until I was in my late twenties. I had spent the first part of my career working in administration and office management. Although I had always intended on finishing my degree and pursuing a career in the arts, life had gotten in the way. At twenty-seven, I was a third-generation single mom with a young daughter. Like my mother and grandmother, I worked hard and found some success in business but I was dispassionate about my work and eager to set a different example for my child. I went back to school and ultimately became the first in my family to graduate from college. Recently, I completed my Master’s in Fine Art with plans to pursue a doctorate in the future.
Higher education opened many doors for me, but more importantly, it helped me find my voice and led me to curate.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are certainly still barriers for young women in the Arts industry. It has been my experience that our voices are frequently critiqued for being too assertive and/or dismissed altogether. Initially, I took much of this feedback personally and I questioned my legitimacy. However, I was also very fortunate to have connected with many brilliant women and male academic allies who were there to reaffirm my authority when I doubted myself.
More than anything, I would encourage young women and aspiring curators to be clear and confident in their voice. Inevitably, people will critique your positions or question your curatorial values but you must not let that deter you from your end game. Also (and I cannot emphasize this enough), surround yourself with other phenomenal humans! Imposter Syndrome is unavoidable and we all need friends to get us through our insecure moments. Having a network that you can trust to be genuine and supportive is key.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Black Curatorial Projects story. Tell us more about it.
I have dedicated my curatorial practice to developing culturally significant projects and supporting emerging and mid-career artists. I am particularly drawn towards art that encourages mindfulness and sparks introspection. Narratives and research pertaining to minimalism, ethical consumerism, materiality, and the feminine experience are often incorporated into my exhibitions.
Additionally, my professional practice includes artist and collection management. I strive to be an advocate for artist’s rights and I work to provide educational and networking opportunities for emerging artists and collectors.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Success in the art world requires hustle, and I attribute my work ethic to the example my mother provided for me. I am also grateful for the professional experience I gained before returning to college. Having had the opportunity to work within major corporations allowed me to develop a varied set of skills which I use regularly as a curator.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackcuratorial.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Daniel Pettit, M. Quinn, Laura Black, Jordan Kubat
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