Check Out Laura Stewart DeRosa’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Stewart DeRosa. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Creative pursuits have always been my passion. I earned a BA in Studio Art and Art History at Colgate University. Then, after a brief stint as a server, an insurance agency, and venture capital firm employee, I went on to earn my MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts in Boston. 

My current studio practice is a combination of working on my own series and creating commissioned pieces for clients, as well as a bit of teaching. 

My artistic focus lies in 2D media including oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, as well as all types of drawing media. I typically draw from my life as a woman and a mother to depict intimate domestic scenes and sentiments. I am interested in exploring concepts related to the human condition, specifically in regard to motherhood, love, loss, grief, and intimacy. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Making my way in the art world is a welcome challenge. In many ways, I feel as though I’m just getting started. The biggest challenge is probably my mindset and my own evolving definition of success. That is a work in progress! Also, over the last 20 years, some wonderful obstacles have presented themselves, including but not limited to the need to teach full time, limiting studio hours to nights and weekends, multiple moves, and two children. I am extremely grateful to my clients who forced me into the studio even when I never thought it was possible. Now that I am back to painting full-time, daily challenges still exist, including the pandemic, but I am trying to use those experiences as fuel for my work. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For years I have been consumed with painting drapery. The folds of fabric and the way it plays with light and shadow is an exciting and ongoing exercise for me. I use it to evoke a sense of close proximity and intimacy which allows me to convey some of my themes more effectively. Similarly, without the figure or other grounding subject matter involved, one can zoom in one drapery and it appears as complete abstraction. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck has played a role in my career in terms of the community that I’ve found myself in, both locally and online, which has kept me going personally and professionally. I have just enough time to be a parent and make art. I often fall short in the marketing and business aspects of my career, but the network somehow continues to grow and unique opportunities arise based on the kind words, referrals, and support of those around me. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Lstewartderosa@gmail.com
• Instagram: @lstewartderosaart