|
   
Laura Ferrara studied art briefly at Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois
but is proud to be primarily self-taught. She raised a family for over
20 years but continued to rely on drawing as a way to gently subjugate
her life experiences into a manageable form. Approaching her 41st
birthday, she consciously decided to give at least 30 minutes every day
to 2D expression, and thought it would lead to no more than a journal
of quick impressions and sketches. Then, the art studio at the school
she works at was remodeled and there was, suddenly, a huge stash of
supplies and a drafting table in the TRASH. Realizing the incredible
bit of luck she had happened upon, she quickly set up a home studio.
Her paintings can be found in homes all over the world and at ArtSpring
in Silver Spring, Maryland, as well as her Etsy site: Emersonbookcase.
Artist's Statement:
Through painting, I attempt to recreate visually the images that
appear in my minds eye. These images are a part of a language of
symbols that I have developed and experienced throughout my life in
reaction to all the intense emotion and communication that is inherent
in living. I have found being alive less difficult if I can create an
image in my head that corresponds to a feeling or sensation that seems
inordinately intense for me. By creating the image I feel as though I
have tamed the emotion. This is what the "serious" work is about. On
the other hand, I also have moments in my minds eye of pure bliss and
serenity that pop out of nowhere. A phrase in a book, an overheard
conversation, a glimpse of a moth by the back porch light, these
produce visuals as well, and I hope the lighthearted mystery behind the
work is evident.
 
|
