Laura Burton is an abstract painter originally from Yorkshire, UK, now living Perth. Laura explains her painting style as ‘experimental and free of boundaries or expectations.’ She loves experimenting with colour and texture and uses range of mediums, her favourites being acrylics, oil pastels and spray paint. Catch Laura’s works, part of her series ‘If walls could talk’ this month at Bivs!
Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist
I enjoy painting during the more peaceful hours of the evening. Once my children are tucked into bed, I head to my outdoor makeshift studio, light a candle, turn on my favourite playlist and burn palo santo wood to unwind from the day and to stimulate creativity.
I love working on a large scale as I can explore with fewer constraints. I deliberately avoid over-planning, preferring the freedom to follow where the energy of the paint takes me. I am often so deep in the ‘flow state’ the hours fly by (note to self - I must learn to get more sleep!).
My go-to mediums are acrylic paint applied with a palette knife and oil pastels. Texture, texture and more texture please! One of my favourite ingredients to add to acrylic paint is baking powder, it creates a gritty and rough consistency, as opposed to plaster that I mix in for a heavier smooth finish.
I have been sketching and drawing since childhood, that quiet kid who would sit for hours carefully shading the house plant or an ornament. Over the years, I’ve evolved into an abstract artist – I love the curiosity that is generated, and when someone connects with my work it’s the best feeling in the world.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from old buildings and weathered walls, I find them so soothing to look at. There is also a romanticism related to their history. Like most things in life, their truth cannot be understood on first glance, you have to take time to stop and look closely to understand the story they have to tell.
How did this collection come about?
I was curious about the untold stories concealed within historic walls, and the energy they perspire. This collection was born from the intention to grant these walls a voice, achieved through the deliberate choice of colour and medium. Each piece resonates with a distinct energy, from the serene to the chaotic, whilst trying to create balance through shapes and lines.
Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you?
“Bello” was inspired by a recent trip to Venice with my sister. It’s my favourite piece in the collection!
Follow Laura on Instagram here