Art Blog #115

Laura Tinald's Limited Edition Print of Icon Divine!

Divine

Divine ( Harris Glenn Milstead ) - Quick Bio - Various Sources

'Divine became a prominent figure in the world of independent cinema, particularly through their work with John Waters.

Some of the most notable films include:

• Pink Flamingos (1972): Divine starred as Babs Johnson, a character dubbed "the filthiest person alive," which became a cult classic and solidified Divine's status as a countercultural icon.

• Female Trouble (1974): In this film, Divine played a rebellious teenager who evolves into a criminal, showcasing their range as an actor.

• Hairspray (1988): This film marked Divine's breakthrough into mainstream cinema, where they played the role of Edna Turnblad, earning critical acclaim and a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.'

  
  

Courtesy of www.imdb.com/name/nm0001145/bio/

Divine

Quotes by Divine:

• "All my life I wanted to look like Elizabeth Taylor. Now Elizabeth Taylor looks like me".

• "He's one of my finest leading ladies" - Tab Hunter [who co-starred with Divine in Polyester (1981)].

• People who used to make fun are now fans. I had the last laugh.

• Of course the last thing my parents wanted was a son who wears a cocktail dress that glitters, but they've come around to it.

• My favorite part of dressing in drag is getting out of it. Drag is my work clothes. I only put it on when someone pays me to.

Laura Tinald - About the Artist:

Laura is a Birmingham-based artist, who predominantly works in ink and pencil on paper. She brings her subjects to life through intricate detail contrasted with bold lines and loose ink.

Laura loves music old and new and is inspired by icons of the late 70s and early 80s; her colour palette informed by illustration and cover artwork of that era.

Since graduating from the University of Creative Arts in 2009, Laura has created beautifully evocative creations for various clients and brands. She has also worked as a live illustrator for events at Selfridges and Birmingham Pride.

In 2024, she delivered a sell-out talk at Birmingham Design Festival, sharing advice and details about her process.

Courtesy of www.lauratinald.co.uk

Some of Laura's Portraits of Icons

'The Connor Contemporary Art Gallery writes:

'For years, I’ve watched Laura’s work evolve with admiration.

Her striking Icon Series is a masterclass in color and restraint—each piece is bold, unforgettable, and exquisitely attuned to the individuality of its subject. A prolific and widely celebrated artist, Laura continues to captivate our collectors, and we’re excited to keep sharing her work with you for many years to come.

Laura has also brought her distinctive style to notable collaborations with Vinyl Me Please and Sweet Theatre, creating compelling artwork that elevates their products and showcases her unmistakable visual voice.'

www.connorcontemporary.com