Secret of My Success: Laura Stirton Aust

Laura Stirton Aust began ARTcare, an art conservation company, in 1988 and moved to Pelham with her husband and two children in 1999.  She currently serves as board president of the She is also passionate about rowing and rows with the Pelham Community Rowing Association’s masters team.

What drew you to your profession? What do you find interesting about your work?

I graduated from college with a BFA in art education.  Unable to find a teaching job with a shrinking economy that took money out of education, I worked in a picture framing shop.  There I saw what becomes of art which is improperly handled, stored and/or framed.  I researched the field which scientifically was in its infant stages and discovered that graduate school training required a minimum of two years of chemistry, (general, organic and physical chem. classes all with labs) as well as art history and studio classes.  I had the art history and studio covered, but had to go back to university to get the science.  I volunteered at the local museum, the Virginia Museum in Richmond, VA, in the conservation department.  It was clear to me that conservators are a unique personality with the precision of scientists, a fascination for history and the creative nature of artists.  I fit right in with this odd lot.

There are still only three graduate training programs in the United States for art conservation.  Each takes three years to complete and enrolls only ten students a year.  Therefore, acceptance in a program is very competitive.  After volunteering and then working in the field for five years, I began studies at the University of Delaware/Winterthur Museum.  It was an extremely intense three years studying and interning in paper conservation.  Paper conservation includes prints, drawings, watercolors, documents, wall paper, numismatics, books, collectibles and ephemera.

I love looking at art and thinking about the techniques used to create it.  Sometimes I have to be a detective to figure out how the damage (staining, tears, distortions, paper losses) occurred.  Restoring a damaged artwork back to health is gratifying.  If there is media loss on the artwork I will in-paint to hide the damage which is a little bit like using watercolors to paint in a coloring book.  

Working with other art professionals is another satisfying aspect of my work.  There may be significant art historical information that a curator is working to uncover.  This might be the artist's thumb print or evidence of materials or a technique used to create the art.  With collaboration and scientific analysis mysteries are sometimes uncovered.


How did you balance your career with family life?

A large percentage of conservators work in museums.  Having experienced a number of museums, I knew that I  eventually wanted to have my own business.  Before I started a family I marketed myself to corporate and private art collectors as well as museums needing contract conservators.  I began ARTcare in 1988 working with other private conservators and then hired graduate students to work with me.  Once I had children I was able to reduce my work load and practice part-time.  I continue to schedule my work around the needs of my family.

What is the most challenging aspect of your career?

For me, the most challenging part of starting a business was the networking component.  I had to attend conferences and take part in professional organizations that were not directly related to my field - but got me out there selling myself.

What are some key lessons you've learned in your professional and personal life that you think everyone can learn from?

Don't promise to finish a job by a certain time, unless you know you can finish it.

What are the three most important things a person needs to be successful? Why?

Loving what you do, the drive to be better and the energy to do it. There is always competition—someone who can do the job better or faster or cheaper.  If you love your work you can continue to give it 100 percent—this makes it harder for others to compete.

What is your definition of success?

Doing your job well and being appreciated for that.


If you could give advice to a recent graduate or someone just beginning their career, what would you tell them?

Long hours and hard work are just a part of the game early on in any career.
But, there is great satisfaction after paying your dues.