We’re looking forward to introducing you to Laurie Maves Guglielmi. Check out our conversation below.
Laurie Maves, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Always, always, large scale abstract painting. Always. The bigger the canvas, the easier I am lost in it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been working as a Professional Artist and a Masters level Art Therapist for the past 30 years. My career for the past 3 decades has always been a combination of these two professions. But I believe at this point in my life, my work is expanding in another direction. Still related, just expanded. This past spring, I traveled to Sardegna (Sardinia), Italy to participate in a month-long artist residency. Upon arriving I found that the situation was really and unfortunately not a good fit for me. But I had traveled so far, and planned for this special time away from my home and family in Florida for so long, I didn’t want to cancel the whole thing. So after about 5 or 6 days, I made the decision to leave the residency and create what was to become my own “Self-Directed” artist residency. I traveled around the island of Sardegna solo with my limited Italian and my art supplies. That solo trip became one giant creative adventure and it positively changed my life in the most amazing way. I found the beauty, the people and the culture of the island so different, so beautiful, so empowering, that I wanted to bottle it all up and take it with me. Well, of course, that is impossible. But what is not impossible is to take people there on a curated creative natural retreat of sorts. And that is exactly what’s in the works for 2026. We have a guest house secured, creative and expressive sessions that involve journaling and drawing or painting in sketchbooks, nature hikes, yoga and meditation sessions, visits to local wineries and olive groves, tours to ancient archeological sites, and are including some spectacular coastal visits to the area’s jaw dropping beaches and turquoise Tiffany Blue waters. I’m building this creative retreat experience based on my own trip. It will likely be targeted to middle aged women who are seeking to do some personal discovery work of their own in a supportive yet unbelievably beautiful and serene environment. I feel this is my new calling. So much so that I just completed my 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) and should have my certificate by the end of this September. It’s a continued quest to bring creative healing experiences to others.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a 5 year old artist, painting at an easel in Kindergarten. I remember that very vividly. So, in essence I always was a painter. But life happened along the way. I went to art school, but of course I didn’t know how to make money by making art so I went further along in school to be an Art Therapist. These were all good things for my career. But I got married, because my parents wanted me to. I had 2 kids, and even though I was able to still make art and use my degree as art therapist to work in different fields, my life was always pulling me in different directions. I felt like I was never able to really focus on any one thing. And then the rest of life happened: a divorce, family issues, a wonderful remarriage and a cross country move. But each one of those events would cause stops and starts in my painting. And with my business. Let’s not even mention covid…But anyway, my life has arrived to where it has. Now at 53 – almost 54, I feel like I want to grow something bigger and more beautiful than I have yet to do. This is why I’m really wanting these creative and expressive arts retreats to happen and to move forward. I feel like I can offer life changing experiences to those that are open and ready for it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
That it’s ok to have your own opinion. It’s ok to be your own person. It’s ok if you don’t fit in. I made a lot of choices during my adolescence because I wanted to be liked. I had a boyfriend and wanted to be accepted by his friend group. Looking back, I wish I had nourished the relationships with my artsy and creative friends more. Not in any way, shape or form were those other friends a bad influence. They weren’t in the least. They were all very good people. Looking back now, I wish I had taken myself and my art more seriously. At the time, I just wanted to be with my boyfriend. That’s what teenagers do, I guess. I would tell my younger self to spend more time on learning who “Laurie” is and lean hard into that.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
100%, well maybe 99%. I believe I’m more of a goofball in person.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop living in Florida (not that there’s anything wrong with living here, I do love it) but I would sell everything and move to Italy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauriemavesart.com
- Instagram: lauriemavesart
- Facebook: Laurie Guglielmi
- Youtube: LaurieMavesART
- Other: Substack blog: https://substack.com/@lauriemavesart
Image Credits
All photo credits are mine ©LaurieMavesART LLC
