Meet Laura Dunn | Artist & Owner | Mac + Lucille

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Dunn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My choice to pursue a career as an artist is largely because I find so much joy just in the act of painting itself as well as the personal satisfaction that comes with constantly growing and improving as an artist. I love that as a creative even the mundane can become elevated and even inspire something greater. It’s a way of always looking for the beauty around you and within you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have dreamed of being a full time artist for a long time and it took some drastic changes at work to finally push me into making that leap. But because I had been painting for years beforehand I already had a depth of painting experience that I would not have had right out of college. It was very hard to take that leap of faith and bet on myself for a change, but with the support of my husband we made it happen. It’s a little silly, but I have a reminder set on my phone everyday that just says “You Can Do It” Once you decide it’s happening and nothing is too hard to figure out then you are half of the way there.
I work in acrylics and mixed media focusing on florals and deconstructed botanicals with abstract elements. I draw heavily on my childhood experiences in my family’s greenhouse business for inspiration. I like to paint from the perspective of a child at eye level with a whole greenhouse full of flowers. I channel that feeling of being immersed in and enveloped by the beauty of the natural world. I hope my work brings that kind of wonder and joy to the viewer.
The fact that I get to share my art with the world is so rewarding and I will always be beyond thankful that my friends, family and collectors keep showing up for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live on St Simons Island, GA with my husband and 2 small children so we love the beach! For breakfast I’d head to Palmer’s Cafe in the Village and afterwards we walk to Neptune Park and let the kids play it out for a bit.
On a Satuday we head to the beach early and stay as long as possible. Coast Guard Beach is a great spot and we’d grab a Sunset Slush for the kids when the cart rolls down the beach.
For a date night just the two of us we would do drinks at Gnats then dinner at Georgia Sea Grill.
If you are up for a short ride you head to Brunswick and check out the beautiful beer garden at Silver Bluff Brewing for a pint and then grab dinner at Indigo Coastal Shanty.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I named my studio practice Mac + Lucille after my paternal grandparents for the very reason that we each are the sum of all the people and experiences that shaped us. I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without the long list of amazing people in my life.
First my loving and supportive husband, Kendall, helps me make this dream career possible and our two children keep me going and my heart full.
As a child my parents, Bill and Judy, my sister, Pamela and I worked alongside each other in our family greenhouse business. Those days spent working in the earth and among the flowers gave me endless reserves of inspiration as well as a strong work ethic.
And then there is the amazing community I have found through Instagram. The other artists that I have had the privilege to connect with and cheer on have been such a god send over the last year! On days when I don’t feel like showing up I just remember all my friends are there cheering for me!

Website: www.maclucille.com

Instagram: @maclucille