Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Thomas.
Hi Laura, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve created art my entire life. My elementary school worksheets were covered in doodles, and I eagerly awaited every art class (we only got one every six weeks, so I had to make it count). I was a painfully shy child, and art was my means of expression. When I couldn’t relate to my peers, I drew them. Art offered unlimited possibilities when I was too inhibited from taking risks in the real world. Even when I worked office jobs to pay rent, I never stopped creating; it’s like breathing. Art is a very intimate way of expressing love for the subject, and as someone who had trouble fitting in, art is how I formed a relationship with the wider world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was always too scared to be a full-time artist, but I finally took the plunge when I lost my job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Around that time, I learned I was pregnant with my first daughter, so there was no room for error. It takes a lot of work to succeed financially as a fine artist. It’s even harder to be financially successful while retaining your creative spark and doing work interesting to you, not just the customer. Social media tempts us to become a ‘persona’ known for a single style that inhibits authentic expression; it’s one more reason I struggle with the ‘creator vs. businessperson’ side of things. When I pitch myself to clients, I’m afraid of becoming a shy, awkward girl all over again. Sometimes I wish to be an ‘art goblin,’ forever painting in my studio and never interacting with another human. Despite that urge, engaging with people is artistically and personally vital. When someone connects with my art, my awkwardness feels less overbearing. I don’t need to find the right words anymore because I said it all on the canvas.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do so many things! Primarily I’m an acrylic painter, but I also do oils, watercolor, and woodworking. I just finished a solo gallery show celebrating the many faces of trees; now, I’m doing a series of semi-abstract, textured sky paintings. People come to me for nature-inspired pieces, whether they be zoomed-in water paintings, traditional landscapes, or impressionist forests. I love variety, and I always have an abstract and a realistic piece going at the same time to keep both sides of my brain active. I amplify the beauty around us through art and draw attention to colors and details you might have overlooked before. Above all, I hope my art is a force for good.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Thank you to all those who support small businesses and creatives!
Pricing:
- Starting rate: $150 per square foot
- Special: 36 x 24 in. painting for $800
Contact Info:
- Website: laurathomasart.co.uk
- Instagram: @laurathomasart
- Facebook: facebook.com/laurathomasart
