Laura Marks: The Evolution of Energy and Emotion in Abstract Art
From her early experiences in fashion and graphic design to her current abstract creations, Laura Marks has crafted a unique voice in the world of contemporary art. Her work draws upon a wide range of influences, combining the structural aspects of design with a free-flowing, intuitive process that taps into emotion and energy. What makes Marks’ art stand out is the dynamic interplay between these disciplines, transforming her canvases into vibrant expressions of life, movement, and transformation.
Marks’ background in fashion endowed her with an understanding of form, texture, and the expressive potential of materials, while graphic design instilled in her a keen sense of composition, balance, and the use of color. Both fields emphasize structure, yet Marks has embraced a more liberated approach to her art. She intentionally breaks away from the constraints of design to explore a more intuitive, emotional process. Her vibrant colors and bold marks are not pre-planned but emerge naturally, driven by the visceral emotions of the moment. This spontaneity and freedom give her abstract pieces their dynamic and compelling quality.
Laura Marks: Intuition as a Creative Force
In Marks’ artistic practice, intuition reigns supreme. When she approaches a blank canvas, there is no preconceived plan or final image in her mind. Instead, she lets her instincts guide her hand, translating raw emotion into color, form, and texture. This approach results in work that feels alive and immediate, filled with energy that resonates beyond the visual experience. Whether she is expressing optimism, joy, or more subtle emotions, each mark is imbued with meaning, making her work deeply personal yet universally relatable.
For Marks, the process of layering plays a crucial role in her art. Starting with sweeping strokes of color, she builds up texture and depth by applying layer after layer, each informing the next. This process is not just about creating a visually rich surface but also about capturing the complexity of emotions and experiences. As each new layer obscures or enhances the previous one, it mirrors the way emotions and memories build upon each other in life. Her use of texture and layering draws the viewer in, encouraging them to explore the hidden depths within each piece.
The Ever-Changing Nature of Life and Art
Change, for Marks, is a central theme in both her life and her art. She views the human experience as a constant state of flux, with each moment bringing transformation and new layers of understanding. This idea manifests in her abstract work, where fluid lines, shifting textures, and vibrant colors evoke a sense of continuous movement. Marks’ paintings are snapshots of emotion and energy, capturing the essence of a moment while also suggesting that nothing remains static for long. Her work reflects the complexity of change, both on a personal level and as a universal experience.
Marks often draws inspiration from artists like John Chamberlain, Dan Flavin, and Joan Mitchell, who share her passion for bold, emotional expression. She admires Chamberlain’s explosive use of color and form, Flavin’s manipulation of space and light, and Mitchell’s ability to convey emotion through abstraction. These influences have helped shape Marks’ understanding of the tension between chaos and control, a concept she explores deeply in her work. By embracing both emotion and spontaneity, Marks continues to evolve as an artist, much like the subjects of her paintings.
Laura Marks: Balancing Client Needs with Artistic Intuition
By working with commission pieces, Marks has also learned to adapt her intuitive process to fit the needs of her clients. Although these works are often more structured than her personal projects, she still relies on her instincts to capture the essence of what the client desires. Whether creating something deeply personal or working within the framework of someone else’s vision, Marks’ ability to balance abstraction, simplicity, and emotion remains at the core of her creative journey.
