Life and Work with Lara Plecas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Plecas.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Lara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been a massage therapist and visual artist for twenty years, working here in the valley. I recently opened a new shop called Desert Crafted in downtown Phoenix. Over the past year, I have been curating goods from various desert cultures around the world that compliment the desert lifestyle. My art studio is attached to the storefront and allows me to work in the studio while maintaining the shop. I decided to completely step into creating art full time and running my storefront. After twenty years as a massage therapist, I am ready to focus solely on creating art and building a business. I am utilizing my experience and education that I have gained over the years to create goods for the shop that support an Ayurvedic lifestyle through herbs and essential oils. I am also sourcing goods and exhibiting regional artists that speak to me.

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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth journey, and there will always be obstacles along the way. Find your voice and have clear boundaries with people. Trust your own intuition and believe in yourself. Be careful whom you allow in your creative space, it is a sacred space. Find your people. Never stop growing…

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in working with Encaustic, which is made by melting refined beeswax and damar resin together with a oil based pigment. I have been working with encaustic for years and have enjoyed the process of exploring this medium. My work has evolved to a place where I am creating a quilt like layers from hand-cut vintage papers on a panel and adding layers of translucent wax. The paper is sanded and wax is manipulated to emulate the worn surfaces of items that have been heavily used over the years. I am a storyteller with my work, and it is constantly evolving as I explore and experiment.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I am always going out to look at the artwork and traveling to see exhibitions, it is my greatest inspiration. I often read about artists lives and enjoy hearing about their work/life. I am surrounded by many artist friends that are supportive and are a part of our arts community, it is really important to find your people. As our city changes and grows, it is important to maintain a sense of community and support each other. This is in part why I decided to create Desert Crafted, as a gathering place which will include workshops and art exhibitions.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2809 N. 7th Ave
  Phoenix, Arizona 85007
• Website: www.desertcrafted.com
• Phone: 602-367-4019
• Email: desertcrafted.arizona@gmail.com
• Instagram: desertcrafted

Image Credit:
all images were taken by Lara Plecas

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