The Connor Contemporary spoke with Laura recently to find out more about her inspirations, process and where she sees her art in the future.
a) When did you first realise that you wanted to become an artist?
Sounds cheesy, but I always knew! Drawing and painting were always my favourite things to do, even as a very young child.
(b) Is there a piece of art or artist that changed your life, if so what/who was/is it and how did your life change?
I have a vivid memory of being at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery when I was a kid and seeing La donna della Finestra (Unfinished) and being blown away. I was captivated by the beautiful detailed face and hands, against the orange background and the fact it was unfinished, yet balanced. Later, at College, I discovered the fashion illustrator, David Downton, who has heavily influenced my style.
(c) How do you pick your Icon subjects?, what draws you towards the 70's and 80's and how would you define an icon?
I am drawn to the 70s and 80s because of the pop culture of that time and a lot of my favourite music came was made then. For me, an icon is someone whose appeal transcends their lifetime or the era they first became popular.
(d) What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a life in art?
You can never be too good at what you do, so keep practising your craft. Also make the most of the free channels where you can publish and promote your work.
(e) Who is your favourite person to paint and why?
David Bowie, Prince and Audrey Hepburn. They all have the most beautiful, angular faces.
(f) Where do you see your art in 10 years?
Hopefully on a sleek hardback coffee table book about music icons.
(g) Your partnership with Sweet Theatre chocolate bars is impressive, could you talk a little about the partnership and your thought process, creating images to match the products?
Sweet Theatre is the brainchild of Sally Wood, who is a theatre producer. She saw my work at a café in Moseley, Birmingham and got in touch to tell me she liked it. Then, when she decided to create her own range of chocolate bars, she asked if I would like to illustrate the wrappers. It was a really fun project! Each of the wrappers shows a Shakespearian heroin, so I kept these characters in mind when creating the illustrations and tried to make each one unique.
(h) What question would you want to be asked in an interview about your art?
I think we have covered it!!
More about Laura:
Birmingham-based artist and illustrator Laura has loved to draw and paint for as long as she can remember.
Working predominantly in inks and pencil on paper, Laura brings her subjects to life through intricate detail contrasted with bold lines and loose ink. While her work looks effortless, her process is meticulous.
Courtesy of https://lauratinald.co.uk/about/
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