ABOUT

DENISE LAURIN ARTIST STATEMENT  

 

My practice is centered on the universal idea of moving from darkness into light as expressed through the human form, especially dancers. The image at left represents this idea using black and white charcoal pencil and pan pastel out of which the figure emerges in a range of values.

 

I am intrigued by the capacity of dance to communicate emotion and spirituality. I work toward capturing transcendence of the physical into the non-material, as well as death and renewal. Through my art, I inspire release from dark, afflictive emotions for myself and others. 

 

Educated in Catholic school as a child, religious memories of veils, the cross, and the prayer gesture loom in my consciousness and appear in my work. On the lighter side, I enjoy costume and the details of costume.

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PROCESS

I am a contemporary realist working from life and reference photos. Sometimes I sketch my ideas in graphite, or I use Photoshop to explore a variety of possibilities collaging imagery together to make original compositions. 

 

INSPIRATION

An insatiable curiosity and desire for deep understanding fuel my work as an artist. As part of my process, I studied dance throughout my life for a visceral and experiential understanding of how the body moves, and to understand how to transcend the physical body. I have seen many dance performances and have traveled extensively to see art in person. Equally important to my work has been my deep exploration of art history on the post-graduate level and ultimately as an art history professor for nearly twenty years with ancient art, non-western art, and the Italian Renaissance as my areas of special interest. Painters who inspire me are John Singer-Sargent and Gerhard Richter.