Stories & Insights

Meet Launa D. Romoff

We recently connected with Launa D. Romoff and have shared our conversation below.

Launa D., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I started my creative career at the age of 50. It actually was the perfect time for me. I was ready to change my life and pursue my art.

Because I started late in life, I had no expectations and was open to all that was available at the time.

Since I have a curious nature, I started exploring ways to express myself. I started listening to what people were saying about their art and art careers. I asked lots of questions, without the fear of sounding stupid or silly. I wanted to learn.

I found an incredible teacher/mentor and became an abstract collage artist. After 3 years of taking classes, I had my first show and sold 5 pieces! It's been an amazing, wonderful journey ever since.

Then at the age of 68 I became a model/actress. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that was a path I would take.

It is such an extraordinary adventure and I am still always amazed when I get the job!

I can honestly say I have never been happier or fulfilled. I love what I do and don't think I would have appreciated it as much if it had come when I was younger. I am extremely grateful.

Launa D., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As mentioned, I didn't start my art career until I was 50 years old. I never thought I was an artist because I couldn't draw. I met an amazing woman, Mitzi Trachtenberg (who is now in heaven) who became my teacher/mentor. After my first class I knew I had found my voice. I am a collage artist! And I love making art. I have made over 600 pieces since I started in 1997 I was extremely lucky in the teacher/mentor I found. What she taught me was that no one's art is new.

We stand on the shoulders of many artists that have come before us.

That being said, I know that everyone's art is unique to the person making it and their voice will be in it.

I was taught as a young child and later as an art student, by my teachers, to share.

I have met artists that when you ask a question they will say "I don't remember how I made that or where I got that certain material." I personally, find that pretty ridiculous. That fear of someone copying your style.

So, when someone asks me about a technique I use or where I get my supplies, I will give them all the information about where and how. I want others to succeed and encourage them in that direction. Their succeeding takes nothing away from my art and it is giving back. I have been very lucky in having generous people in my life. I want to give that back to other's.

What's the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

What is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the process. I can start at 8am and I blink and it's 3pm. I am so totally engrossed that time disappears. It is incredibly satisfying on so many levels. I make art for that feeling.

There are times I have looked at a piece the next day and thought it's just so so. I will tear things off, and perhaps go in another direction and am amazed at what turns out. For I feel there is never a mistake, just another opportunity.

I never feel that a piece I've made is that precious, if it doesn't feel right, I change it. I feel it's all about learning and many times it's about pushing the boundaries.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started things were different and there wasn't social media. Life has changed so much. I now embrace it and use all the time. Every time I make a new piece, I post it. I truly feel one must do their own PR these days. What surprises me is that sometime when I post a piece that I think is just OK. Someone loves it and wants to buy it.

My advice to starting artists is get out there. promote yourself. It is not about being perfect, for that will paralyze you.

If you feel your piece is not perfect so you won't share it or show it. The only person judging you is you. Nothing is perfect, we are human and do the best we can.