Sustainability Statement
As artists, nature has always been a powerful source of inspiration for me. Growing up surrounded by woods and raised in a family of farmers, I learned early to sense changes in the air before a storm and to observe animals to understand the seasons. It’s only natural that organic shapes and patterns find their way into my work. Yet, like so many artists, I found myself increasingly disconnected from nature within my own studio. While trying to celebrate the beauty of the natural world, I didn’t realize my material choices were unintentionally harming it. Seemingly innocent supplies were actually contributing to pollution in our oceans, air, and soil, ultimately impacting communities and ecosystems.
Now, I strive to practice and promote sustainability, not just in my own studio but within creative spaces everywhere. My goal is to move beyond doing “less harm”—to actively make things better. Many artists want to bring more beauty into the world. But I believe we must ask ourselves: If our creations, however visually striking, are damaging the planet and its people, can we truly call them beautiful?
By pledging to adopt more sustainable studio habits, designing with the environment in mind, collaborating with like-minded communities, and keeping one another accountable, I believe we can create a future for art that’s not just sustainable, but regenerative. This is how both people and the planet can thrive, together.
Lara Cornell is an innovative artist, sustainability advocate, and 2x international best-selling author of books on sustainable business design for artisans. She holds an MA in Sustainable Design and a Graduate Certificate in Biomimicry from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, grounding her expertise at the intersection of nature-inspired innovation, regenerative practices, and creative solutions. For over eight years, Lara has worked with artisans worldwide to design regenerative businesses that honor the planet, people, and prosperity.
Creativity and craftsmanship are woven into Lara’s story. Her family’s artisan legacy shaped her path: her grandfather was a woodworker, her grandmother a dried floral artist, and her great-aunt an accomplished quilter. From her first job at a local Arts Guild to her middle school gallery debut, artistry has always been a part of her life. This foundation fuels her passion for helping artisans craft meaningful, sustainable businesses.
Lara’s career spans nearly three decades in sales and retail for impact-driven brands like Aveda and Laura Ashley, as well as executive roles in international travel. She later launched her own successful art business, even showcasing her work at the Louvre in Paris. Building an award-winning social impact venue allowed her to collaborate with local artisans, prioritize sustainable practices, and support community-driven initiatives.
In 2021, Lara published her first international best-seller, Maker’s Mark, and founded the Artisan Academie to educate and support artisans globally. Her second best-seller, The Sustainable Maker, continues her mission to help artisans build more sustainable businesses and foster community worldwide.
Dedicated to merging creativity with meaningful change, Lara’s work spans environmental research, sustainable design, and systems thinking. She is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and educator, delivering impactful talks and workshops on topics like regenerative art practices, sustainable material innovation, and circular economy modeling. Her engaging style empowers artists, educators, and organizations to align their work with sustainability and social responsibility.
Lara’s consulting and mentoring services provide personalized guidance for creatives aiming to build thoughtful practices and values-driven businesses. Her approach emphasizes material life cycle assessment, regenerative product design, and resilient business models, helping clients craft work that honors both people and planet.
A passionate educator, Lara collaborates with institutions, museums, and creative organizations to co-develop curriculum, workshops, and programs that embed sustainability into art and design education. From natural pigment creation to biomimicry-inspired design sessions, her initiatives provide hands-on, practical solutions for all learners.
Her research focuses on critical environmental issues like microplastic mitigation and material innovation, partnering with universities, nonprofits, and creative collectives to co-create projects addressing global challenges. From connecting with local makers and regenerative farmers to fostering community-driven collaborations, Lara’s work is rooted in a sincere commitment to resilience, beauty, and restorative practices.
Through her leadership, innovative research, and inspiring written works, Lara envisions a future where art, sustainability, and innovation intertwine, leaving a legacy of creativity and care for generations to come.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Lara embraces the SLOW life with her husband and three wonderful children in Minneapolis, MN. She takes great joy in rediscovering lost arts, cherishing the beauty of craftsmanship and intentional living. Guided by her inquisitive nature and unstoppable ambition, Lara continues to be a force for positive change, inspiring artisans across the globe to create with care and purpose.
Short Bio for copy:
Lara Cornell is an artist, sustainability advocate, and 2x best-selling author dedicated to transforming the future of art and design through regenerative practices. With an MA in Sustainable Design and expertise in biomimicry, material innovation, and circular systems, she bridges creativity and sustainability to inspire meaningful change. As the founder of the Artisan Academie and author of Maker’s Mark and The Sustainable Maker, Lara empowers artisans and designers worldwide to create with purpose, fostering a future where art, innovation, and environmental stewardship thrive. Based in Minneapolis, she leads with passion, collaboration, and a vision for a more sustainable and impactful world.