Laura Beaton, Visual Fine Artist
Mixed Media & Ink Painting
The ‘Butterfly Effect’ is the theory that small causes can have a large effect on events. In essence, when a butterfly flaps its wings it can be heard around the world. Given these very ‘interesting’ times of COVID-19, a pandemic I sometimes things that were was more than 1 butterfly that flapped its wings. These times are a changing!
I created ‘Into the Light’ during the start of self-isolation relative to COVID-19. At first, the painting was dark, moody and quite frankly, somewhat depressing. It bothered me. Then I took a break from painting to consider all of the positives and benefits of self-isolation and the global pandemic. I choose to not fear the future, but to respect the situation and face it head on. Seeking the lighter side of things instead of the darker side. Am I worried? You betcha. Am I afraid? No way. ‘Into the Light’ reflects that transcendence.
In August 2020, I was invited by Keri Fuller, CEO and Director of Lucid Art Gallery, to be her first interviewee via our Fine Art of America connection.
It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know an American counterpart, who is herself, an exceptional artist. Having been previously interviewed during Covid, I was able to help guide the questions to include mental health support through the arts, during these exceptional times.
Sharing my art, processes, and ‘life’ experiences with Keri made the time fly. Here is the link to the interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/R7sxtPE39Sc
So thrilled that Shangri-La was purchased during the on-line auction for Niagara Pumphouse Art Auction Fundraiser. Even more exciting, is that now that the painting has been hung in its new home, the successful bidders are ecstatic with their purchase. That makes my world turn!
I was very excited when Stella Jurgen, of Stella’s Studio approached me to participate in one of her television episodes, ‘A Cup of Coffee’ for Camoes TV. I was able to showcase my Chinese Brush Painting art and mixed media art alongside very talented musicians and visual artists.
I’d like to thank Camoes TV and MDC Media Group for this amazing opportunity.
Some of the artists on this show include:
Carol-Ann Michaelson Contemporary Jewellery, Paintings and Ceramics
Heather Christine Vocalist/Arts & Culture Specialist
Kim-Lee Kho Visual artist & instructor
Wanda Ryan Dandelions of Courage, Performing Arts
That experience led to the creation of ‘Different, Yet the Same’. Celebrating and distinguishing the interconnection of diversity. Each flower is different in shape and size, but each flower is made of the same material (like skin and bones), each flower has the exact colours, but with different hues.
We are biological sentient beings, regardless of race, religion, culture, sexual orientation and disability.
This painting reflects my hope and need for all peoples to acknowledge and to respect, if not celebrate those differences and similarities, as we live, work and play and struggle. Together. We are all different, yet the same.
