Meet Laura Ward Art

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  

I am originally from Italy.  I was brought up with a strict Catholic background, and though not religious now, I do use those images to represent spirituality, irony, and faith.  I was raised by a single mother. Having moved from a small town in Italy to a large city with so much diversity, I was struck how multi-cultural Los Angeles is and how that move changed my worldview, and continues now to help shape my art.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? 

My art is how I see the world and situations around me. They come from my worldview, and flashes in my dreams. I have always studied artists in all genres and throughout history. I do not have a particular artist that influences me, I think all art and all artists influence artists, and that is how it is with me my art. 

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

I believe it is being able to move people with my art. The greatest pleasure I get as an artist is watching people talking about my art and discussing the meaning and what it evokes in them. Success is stopping people in their tracks and them reacting to the piece. 

That is a great perspective. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

It is therapeutic and extremely rewarding. It allows me to put on paper my emotions, my thoughts and my point of view. 

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I have painted since I was a child. As an artist by nature, I have dabbled in all mediums, and have explored many different styles.

How has your style changed over time?
I started doing oil on canvas, and my style was surreal and dark body images. Now, my art is how I see the world and situations around me. They come from my world-view, and flashes in my dreams. I find mixed media collage is the best medium to express myself now.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Finding time in my extremely busy life. There is nothing hard about the actual process, it’s the business side, the marketing side and the promotion that is hard for me. I love all aspects of creating art and sharing with others.

What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I spend hours finding images that match my imagination, train of thought or dreams. Then I find colors that compliment the images, and spend hours rearranging, gluing and painting over and around those images to create the final image I want. Sometimes it takes days, or a week, and sometimes a full day, but I do not rush it, but let it flow naturally.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

The best thing about being an artist is the ability to show anything you want. With every person that sees it will have a different reaction to it, and I love seeing the different reactions and interpretations of it.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Holy Cow is my favorite piece. I am an animal rights activist, and this piece represents how sacred, pure, spiritual, gentle, and kind a cow is, and it expresses that it is a sentient being, and should be revered, rather than exploited. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope Pasadena and Burbank?

I will be bringing some of my original work, some limited editions, open editions of my most popular art pieces, as well as products such as greeting cards and tote bags of my art.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

My goal is that my art sparks conversations about diversity, women's issues, fame, community and hope for our planet, fellow humans, and animals. 

Love that. We can’t wait to see you in person this April 29th & 30th at Jackalope Pasadena AND at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival this June 3rd & 4th.

Where to see more of Laura Ward Art:

Website | www.lauraward.art

Instagram | @lauraward.art