Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura McElfresh.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve painted as long as I can remember. During the summer as a child, my grandmother would take me to the studio in her basement and let me paint next to her. I’ve always taken art classes and experimented with all forms of art. I’ve done everything from stained glass to basket-weaving and quilting. I found I had a knack for watercolor and settled there for a long time until about 7 years ago when I found watercolor batik. It was challenging and allowed me to use water media which I loved. The process involves so many layers and is unpredictable like so much of life. The fissures in the painting that are created by the cracks in the layers of wax only add to the beauty and texture of the piece. I feel like batik is the perfect metaphor for our lives. Full of layers, evolution, and damaged bits that add to our character.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been oddly smooth to be an artist. I have had a myriad of fortuitous moments in my journey as an artist. I signed up for my first outdoor art show and after matting and framing everything in preparation for my show I discovered that I had no more money left in my bank account… well, I think I had $24. I needed gas money and money for food and to pay my portion of my hotel room as it was out of town. I thought to myself, “I can’t go, I have to cancel.” I think it was less than 24 hours from that moment that I found out that one my paintings hanging at a local rec center had sold. It was just enough money to fill my gas tank and pay my hotel. And so, I went. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had similar experiences. I think that only reinforces in my mind that this is what I am meant to do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of the things I’m known for are my paintings of aspens. Trees in my world represent people. Aspens in particular are fascinating to me. On the surface you see individual strong tall trees they look independent but they are all fed by the same root system. As humans, we love to believe that we are independent but so much of what we do and have is due to the connections (roots) we all share. It’s sort of the perfect comparison if you will. And in my art, I love to explore that relationship, the connections, and evolution that are so pivotal to our lives. It’s a subject of never-ending fascination for me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve had many times when I’ve been presented with options and so many directions I could have taken. I always try to sit with things and honor what my heart says before making decisions.
Contact Info:
- Email: laura_mcelfresh@yahoo.com
- Website: https://www.lmcelfresh.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraevesart/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbyLauraMcElfresh
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On77ths19LU&t=27s
