Meet Laurel Weinberg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Weinberg.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m still finding my place as an artist. I have done an illustration for personal satisfaction since I could physically hold and use a pencil. In my late teens I worked in tattoo parlors, and learned a lot about that art form that I carry with me to this day; though not as my primary job–I tattoo friends and family only; allowing me to only work on ideas that interest me or can be convinced of the personal importance of. While I am able to do commission work, I do become extremely frustrated with trying to illustrate ideas that do not interest me; So, I have not pursued working in an artistic field for my primary source of income; though as I age that idea interests me more and more. So I recently started an Etsy with an electronic embroidery machine, making accessories and patches to monetise my talents in a way that allows me to express my ideas without being beholden to the demands of the intended recipient. I also offer my illustrations through the shop, but they are far less popular due to their subject matter.

Please tell us about your art.
I am a very distracted artist; I work with many mediums. Primarily I illustrate, but I also work with textiles to produce accessories and sometimes garments, and I cast resin for small charms. In my illustration work; I unburden myself of my frustrations and express my opinions; though sometimes I do illustrate purely for aesthetic appeal. Typically that shows itself in the form of my patches; and embroidery; which I program files for on my computer and print using an electronic embroidery machine. That kind of mixed media work and producing a physical object to share vs. a purely digital illustration has become very satisfying to me as well; though it is very different indeed. Because I do produce most of my art for my satisfaction, I can not speak to what people should take from it. However, it is good to know that my artwork is not a representation of my physical state and actions; I do not know self-harm as portrayed in some of my works.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Oversaturation; as well as an amazing plethora of distractions. Not to mention for those of us who craft physical goods, the cost of material, and for those of us who illustrate but are unable to make a living off of it, the sheer time consumption involved can be a unique challenge to struggle with. One of my newest pieces; Transhumanist Mina, took over 16 hours to render, but this was broken up into 1-2 hour sessions over nearly a month due to my job and commitments taking priority over my entertainment time.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be found through my website, arteryegl.com ; which redirects to a link tree with my social media and shops I also sell my work as a sort of pop up shop at some conventions with a fantastic group called Kei Collective. You can support my work by purchasing my handmade goods through my Etsy page, and you can find my Redbubble where I offer my digital illustrations printed on many items such as clothing and home goods.

Contact Info:

• Website: arteryegl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arteryegl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArteryEGL/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/arteryegl

Image Credit:
Paulann Egelhoff

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