Meet Lauren Topor | Photographer & Artist

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

Hi Lauren, how do you think about risk, what role has risk taking played in your life/career? 
Good Karma Photo was born from a risk. For me, when I think about risk, I think of it as an opportunity. If the risk you’re taking is not at least a little bit scary, if it doesn’t challenge you, you have to consider, is it really worth pursuing? For example, chasing a career in the arts is not a risk that many people would be willing to take, mainly because the outcome is so uncertain. But when you live in the risk you start to see the rewards. Ultimately, the fear and uneasiness associated with risk fades.

Personally, I am driven by reaching the limits of my comfort zone and exploring the uncharted territories that at some point or another I thought were unreachable. My life is built on a series of risks, little risks, and more lofty risks, that have ultimately changed the course of my life and my career. Risk has allowed me to push the boundaries of what I considered possible. The version of myself that exists today would not be here without risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself a lifelong artist, though not in the traditional sense. I’ve always been attracted to the arts, so it was only natural that it would become a large part of my professional career, and life, overall. I’m happy to admit that I do not have any traditional art training. Instead, my art practice is a reflection of what naturally comes to me via the muse, or source, as it’s often called.

Early in my professional career, art took a backseat to more lucrative, good-on-paper professions. Although my professional career allowed for a degree of creative expression, I’ve worked as a professional photographer for many years, I wasn’t creating art solely for the sake of creating art or creating art for myself. I felt like I was missing something, like there could be something more, and I needed to follow that feeling.

So, in 2023, I took a risk. I applied to my first art show. Despite the uneasiness I was feeling, the imposter syndrome that creeped up, and the fear of the unknown that loomed in the air around me, the event was a total success. Not only was it a success, that show reassured me that I was on the right path. I made connections in the community. I shared, and even sold, artwork. And I left feeling inspired. Seriously, I wish I could bottle up that feeling and share it with everyone.

Chasing after a creative life possesses its challenges, but to me, the rewards outweigh the challenges. For me, the rewards are the connections that I’ve made with folks in the creative community, the kind words that people share with me, the questions people ask about my art and my process, and the opportunities for growth that have come up along the way. It’s been so rewarding to visually see and experience the evolution of Good Karma since that first art show.

When it comes to the lessons that I’ve learned, and what I’d share with emerging artists and creatives about my own experience, is that you’re bound to hear no at some point in your creative career. But don’t let it discourage you. Personally, I’ve been rejected by juries, retail shops have waitlisted me, and I had a piece go to auction, and not sell. It’s all part of the process. Trust that you’re on the right path. Keep creating, always. And, continue to chase that inspired feeling that only you know.

Looking ahead, I am excited for a new season of art markets and art shows. I’m currently putting together my event calendar and I’m excited to get back into the community after a creative summer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My body of work largely focuses on the natural environment of the desert Southwest, so my first stop on a trip to Phoenix would be the Desert Botanical Garden. Not only is the botanical garden home to thousands of plants, there’s an onsite restaurant and the garden regularly hosts cultural and art-centric events.

Other must-dos include First Friday in downtown Phoenix. First Friday is the nation’s largest self-guided art walk and it takes place across the city’s downtown arts districts. On the first Friday of every month, Roosevelt Row closes to street traffic and artists and local vendors fill the street from sunset until late. There’s music, food, gallery happenings, and so much to see and experience.

Not too far away is the Phoenix Art Museum. It’s the largest museum in the Southwest and it has a huge collection. The Phoenix Art Museum also features immersive exhibits and it even has a space dedicated to local, Arizona-based artists.

Some of my favorite restaurants throughout the downtown area are Belly, Sin Muerte, Bacanora, Gallo Blanco, The Coronado, Sake Haus, Villa Della, and Snapback Pizza.

For shopping, Monsoon Market is a must. The shop is stocked with cutesy things and they have a big selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Pueblo is a can’t-miss for plant lovers. And, The Churchill has something for everyone, including a weekend outdoor pop-up market called Sidewalk Saturday that highlights local artists and makers throughout the community. Sidewalk Saturday is one of my favorite events to vend and show my work.

Andaz Resort Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, The Camby, and Royal Palms are all incredible places to stay and play when visiting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been privileged to have the support of my family and friends over the many iterations of my creative career. As they all know, I can get really ambitious when it comes to exploring new ideas and projects, but through it all, I’ve always felt supported. So, to my family and friends, thank you.

When it comes to books, I recently finished The Creative Act by the legendary record producer and artist, Rick Rubin. I recommend this book for creatives of any discipline, it’s a real page turner and inspiring on so many levels.

Website: https://laurentoporreichert.wixsite.com/photography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodkarma.photo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurentopor/

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/goodkarmaphotobylo

Image Credits
Lauren Topor, Good Karma Photo