Laura Beardsell-Moore

My work is an ongoing exploration into the tension between nature and contemporary culture which I think has been stretched more in the last ten years than ever before. I'm interested in the natural world, our place in it, and the extent to which our engagement with 'culture' can have a negative impact on our bodies. In particular, I'm interested in gender issues and the way that so called cultural norms distort our bodies. 

Ideas drive the way I paint and whilst aesthetics are important to me (there is something really special when the balance of composition, texture and colour come together just right) I need there to be a lot of thinking space behind those aesthetics. I try to keep much of my work allusive, to leave some open ends for the viewer to add their own ideas too.

The materials used are as important for their conceptual contribution as well as for their appearance. I use materials such as sand and wood under the surface of the paint. I also use domestic materials such as wallpaper, wool and buttons. Sometimes I like to use these to break up the comfortable illusion of the three-dimensional image and to pin, bind or trap the image on the surface. 

The dark, claustrophobic spaces of contemporary culture are a rich ground for my ideas and images.

About Me:

I studied art and art history for four years at the Winchester School of Art. I went on to complete a Masters degree in Contemporary Art, Criticism and Philosophy at the University of Essex in 2005. 

My work has included teaching art at St. Joseph's College in Suffolk and lecturing Critical and Contextual Studies and Personal and Professional Development at Colchester Institute for Fine Art BA(hons) students. I have over six years experience in supporting and advising individuals and organisations on a variety of topics such as income generation strategies, development and planning, and facilitating access to grants and funding. I have recently become the Head of Marketing and Communications for a wonderful local hospice charity overseeing all digital media, press and PR and design and print work.

I believe in giving creative people the best opportunities possible to begin their creative careers in what can be an extremely tough environment.

A project that is particularly close to my heart is the Female Artists Online website: a resource for and about female artists. I provide information about famous female artists from art history including artist biographies and research materials. This is complemented by information and advice for new and emerging artists on art colleges, business planning and exhibition news. Despite the large numbers of female arts graduates, women artists are still under-represented in national, regional and commercial galleries. I want to raise the profile of famous female artists from art history to motivate and enthuse new and emerging artists.

I always like to hear from people so come and say hello on Twitter and Facebook!
twitter.com/artequalizer
facebook.com/femaleartists

Laura