Hello, it’s me Laura. So you want to learn even more about me. Well, alright, but remember you clicked the link.
First and foremost, I’m a mother of three angelic, raucous, snuggly, sticky, wonderful children. That’s my day job and I love it. They keep me busy, but it seems no matter how busy I am I can’t stop making stuff. It’s how I stay sane—a matter of opinion, I know. So sometimes (maybe often) when I should be washing the breakfast dishes I’m painting or sewing.
I’ve been making stuff since I could use a pair of scissors, which was probably at a younger age than is safe. My mother, Elinor Peace Bailey, encouraged me to use her stuff to cut, sew, glue, paint, whatever. And I did. I would surprise her by covering lampshades or a fireplace screen or whatever I could get my hands on. My childhood home was so colorful and so full of art and kitsch that my little projects blended right in.
Painting is my absolute favorite creative outlet. It’s messy and spontaneous and I never know exactly what it will look like when I’m finished. I love being able to mix and layer colors to get exactly the affect I’m looking for. I paint flowers a lot because I can move them around and do whatever I like to get the composition I want. I can even change their color or shape--they don’t have to be completely realistic. My paintings are more about color and texture.
It has been wonderful and surprising to have my work so graciously received. Now my paintings are being published as limited edition prints and on fabric. It’s extremely satisfying to see my work beautifying someone’s home.
The trickiest part of all this is balancing my business with my home life. Most of the time they work well together. I really believe that having creative experiences makes me a better wife and mother. These experiences give me energy and enthusiasm. And I can add beauty and color to our home. I know my family benefits from that. But I do have to check myself sometimes, and not let the business take up too much of our family time. May greatest anchors in keeping a balanced life are my amazingly supportive husband and my faith.
I really feel so fortunate to have the success I’ve had with my artwork. It seems so many doors have just opened up for me in the past few years. So I will keep painting--in between play dates and laundry.
