Artist Laurie Franklin explores her art practice through a vast spectrum of abstracts, landscapes and nudes, using paints, ceramic, glass and wood. Born in Ireland, she grew up in Zimbabwe and lived in the UK and the USA. “I travel regularly but never without a sketchpad,” she muses.
Laurie started out studying textile design as she was drawn to working with texture, building up layers, weaving and fabric manipulation. “Those elements are still seen in my work today,” she says. Her early desire to learn soon encompassed mosaics and hand-cut glass. A few months into her first job in a textile mill, she exhibited some large-scale mosaics at a home and design fair. It was so successful that it prompted Laurie to switch to working on her art full time. Her work now graces the homes of private collectors as well as many hotels, restaurants and retail establishments.
When asked to describe herself, Laurie says she is dedicated, buoyant and lucky. Some might say luck has nothing to do with it — she is gifted with a wholesome insight and artistic acumen. By using a mix of acrylics, oils, pastel, charcoal, collage and metallic gold, silver and copper leaf, Laurie creates multi-faceted paintings that are visually fascinating. Her work is deeply etched in nature, and she is drawn to rugged coastlines and mountain ranges as well as more arid regions. “It is perhaps in those landscapes where some people will see nothing that I find the greatest opportunity for my work,” she reveals.
On the horizon are more travels to continue her journey of discovery. “Travel is a big part of what inspires my work as I like to paint in situ,” she says. “Like a lot of people, I am hugely excited that all of Australia and the world is now open to explore and find new opportunities to paint.”
Among Laurie’s most popular artworks are her large poignant landscapes in the Banksia and Alpine series. When she isn’t travelling or painting, she spends time between the pages of a good book. Her favourite at the moment it is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.
When ruminating about art and life, Laurie has firm convictions. “Life is about the things that make you stop and wonder, stop and smile,” she reflects. “I take time for those things, the little pauses between living and breathing, and art has the power to do that, to stop you in your tracks.” find Laurie Franklin at artloversaustralia.com.au