Laura "Mango" Krueger

What is your favorite art medium to work in, and why?

“The Beauty of a Heart Broken and Put Back Together” by Laura Mango Kreuger

Oh wow, I am what I call a multi disciplinary dabbler. I have always loved to be creative, and have inserted myself into projects and endeavors that allow me to contribute in various artistic ways. I have a degree in theatre and vocal performance, but I also love to draw and paint with watercolors. I have played with mosaics and also chalk pastels to make work for shows. I have written various theatre pieces and I am actively a songwriter for my band, Sway Sisters and the Soft Opening.

When did you first figure out that art was important to you?

The first indication was my desire to sing before I could even really talk well. I also just really REALLY liked art supplies. That is still the case! Haha

Who is your art mentor?

There have been many people who I would consider mentors over the years as I journey through my artistic development, but right now my mentors are the crew of artists I work with at Trajectory. They are varied in their experience with different mediums, so their talents individually add up to be a super art mega mentor. And they don't mind me pestering them with endless questions... Haha! I feel like I have been able to grow my visual art skills by leaps and bounds just being near them. So much respect for them!

Finish this sentence: My art is my...

My heart. My big, giant, vividly colored, broken and repaired, hopefull heart. The most sacred part of me.

What advice would you offer someone just beginning their exploration of their own artistic self?

If you're interested- just be brave and give yourself permission to fail. For me, being creative is as important as drinking enough water or sleeping, so I feel that don't have much of a choice. Be open to the special way you want to create, and be interested in what the drive to make art is all about. Honor your vision. Honor your instincts.