Artist Statement
My practice is print-based, working primarily in etching. I use metaphorical and figurative imagery to reconstruct reality. My work challenges the ideas of my escapist reality that has grown with me into early adulthood with ideas of fantasy narratives and imaginary world building. Psychoanalysis, folk tales and Christian iconography are important references to the origin of a childhood escapist reality that I refer to as The Midhellground.
The Midhellground has its own complex narrative created and developed over a number of years. The main protagonist of this world is my own alter-ego, the M.G., a deity that acts to protect myself and my loved ones in reality. My work seeks to examine the ambivalence I have towards my deity and the world she exists in. To process and understand archetypes -- the subversion of beauty and false ideals, death and the violations of morals within society – I have created a series of characters that reenact scenes from my subconscious. Depicted in their own devil's playground, this world is in parallel to the reality around me.
Laura has recently graduated from her BA Hons Fine Art undergraduate from the University of Salford and is currently enrolled on their Graduate Scholarship Programme at Hot Bed Press organsied by UOS Art Collection in collaboration with Castlefield Gallery.
She has exhibited at several venues and galleries including Home MCR, Oxmarket Contemporary, and Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Her work is housed in the UOS Art Collection.
Education
Exhibitions
cv
Born in Slough, lives and works in West Yorkshire
2019-2023 BA (Hons) Fine Art, University of Salford
2018-2019 Foundation Diploma, Oxford Brookes University
2023 - University Fine Art Degree Show, Salford UK
2023 - Cheetems School of Music, Manchester UK
2022 - Oxmarket Contemporary Open 2022, Chichester UK
2022 - The Open [3], Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Salford UK
2022 - Home MCR Open, Manchester UK
2021 - GOTH, West Art Collective, Antwerp Mansion, Manchester UK
Awards
2023- 12-Month Graduate Scholarship, University of Salford Art Collection & Castlefield Gallery