Laurie Simmons has a message for artists: “those years when no one has their eye on you and you’re free to work, those are your best years."

The artist, filmmaker and photographer always knew she wanted to work in this field. She pursued her dreams even despite a teacher's cautioning early on to get out of art. She had her first solo show in ‘79 and is just now wrapping up a five year project: it's a film called “My Art" in which she's starring and directing.

Want to know more about the artist who is also known in some circles as "Lena Dunham's mom"? Headphones in; volume on.

In partnership with Squarespace.

Want more Laurie? @SimmonsLaurie

Want more Jay? @beardwizard

Edited by Jay Buim

Produced by Kate Barnett