"Planting Joy: My Path As An Artist" by Lauren Swiderski

I didn’t follow a traditional path into the art world but art has always lived inside me. It
didn’t have a name until I let it grow. It started with curiosity, color, and a love of
creating and storytelling.

In the beginning, I painted for myself: bright ideas, quiet memories, and pieces of
personal joy. What started as a hobby, slowly became a calling. I began exploring new
materials, new surfaces, and eventually, new ways to bring art outdoors. A simple idea:
to make something joyful, sturdy, and beautiful that could stand outdoors, share light,
and spark conversation.

As a gift to my daughter for Christmas, I created my first “painted post", a unique
functional art piece that could live in a garden, light a path, and carry a message. It was
personal, colorful, and different, and that’s when I knew I wanted to share it.

It started small, designing hand-painted posts for family and friends, using vivid colors,
custom ideas inspired by the vibrance of Florida, the warmth of connection, and sunlit
spaces. Each post expresses a rich and unique story.

I began experimenting with solar lighting and signage, before long, I found myself building not just beautiful art pieces, but a brand, Painted Post Designs.

Today, I’m proud to call myself an artist and entrepreneur. I showcase my work at
Florida art shows and create personal designs for customers who want something
meaningful, playful, and uniquely theirs. Whether it's a garden post with a beachy
breeze or a tribute piece that carries memory and love, my mission is to plant joy in this
world, one post at a time.