Featured Artist Laura Lein-Svencner

Artist Laura Lein-Svencner presents a collection of expressive abstract mixed-media collage. See more of her work and methods by visiting her website.

 

“Art Studio Left Over” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Art Studio Left Over” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

Paper and its texture, coarse or smooth, has always been of interest to me. I even find the smell of some papers intriguing. This fascination with paper really started back when I was in third grade designing classroom bulletin boards, and blossomed into harvesting my own plants and making handmade papers in later years.

 

“Be in My Forest” Collage/Mixed Media, 14” x 14”by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Be in My Forest” Collage/Mixed Media, 14” x 14”

 

The edges of the paper, whether torn or cut straight, puts me at its mercy. When creating papers for collage, I use all sorts of found paper with mixed media and acrylics on the surface. I explore the elements of design even before I place the paper in the artwork. While making paper, I’m thinkng about color, line, shapes, patterns, texture, size and value.

 

“Bitter Waters” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Bitter Waters” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

Papermaking sessions are important, as they allow me to freely express what is going in my environment, and what is presently going on inside of me emotionally. It totally amazes me how much of a difference there is within a few days when making paper.

 

“Bringing it all to the Surface” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Bringing it all to the Surface” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

Collage means to glue or paste, so all the papermaking sessions are about me building a palette to pick and choose from. When applying papers to a surface, I use a method of collaging with an iron.

 

“Can we regain our Humanity” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Can we regain our Humanity” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

All papers are coated with an acrylic medium and dried, ready to be fused in place with the heat of the iron. It creates a wonderful flat fused surface. Glazing, and the shadows the papers create, provide depth which I feel helps define a certain voice throughout my work.

 

“Daily Commitment” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Daily Commitment” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

Inspiration can come from so many places. I find I have to be observant, though. Taking time to walk in the woods is one of my biggest sources of inspiration.

 

“Chaotic Comfort” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Chaotic Comfort” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

As a child, I would be down by the creek, watching how a stick swirled in the water, and how it stirred soft mud at the bottom. It is more important for me to capture that image emotionally and express it abstractly, than drawing it out and capturing it realistically.

 

“Collision Course” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Collision Course” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

There are times when inspiration comes from two separate entities. I work with them both to see where a connection can be found. Most times there is a connection, but it is from a personal standpoint. This is where I feel that I’ve accomplished what I wanted to express.

 

“Contained Happiness” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Contained Happiness” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

I then title the piece and allow the viewers to find the connection, kind of like a mystery to be solved.

 

“Continual Process” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8” by artist Laura Lein-Svencner. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Continual Process” Collage/Mixed Media, 8” x 8”

 

Having a goal isn’t as important to me as much as giving myself assignments and following those through instead. It gives me a place to grow in and out of. One of my main goals is to get to a lovely old age and still be dropping off artwork at a gallery to exhibit. Whatever happens in between really doesn’t matter.

 

Artist Laura Lein-Svencner invites you to follow her on Facebook, Twitter and her Blog.

 

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Comments

  1. Gorgeous work!!

  2. Wow I really loved these pieces. Amazing work!

  3. Lorraine Tesina says

    It is with great honor that I can say, “I’ve met Laura, and she’s just as amazing as her collages!”
    Try one of her workshops!

  4. I’ve been reading her blog for some time now & always enjoy being a silent witness to her creativity.
    I always find inspiration in her finished pieces as well as how she approaches each work.

    Thank you so very much Laura for being an inspiration.

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