Hi, hola, marhaba... welcome to my web-site, here's a 'lil somethin'-somethin' about me...

My current signature style was born from my love of making art out of everyday items, well, that and an overflowing recycling bin.  I never made a conscious decision to be a "green" artist, my work emerged organically and is still evolving.   I'm often asked how I came up with the idea for my trees.  I wish I could provide an esoteric, existential, life-changing epiphany to explain it, but I can't.  It just came to me.  I've always been drawn to mosaics and quilting (although I've never mastered either) and this piecing together of scrap materials is reflected in my mixed media designs. 

In an effort to help preserve Mother Earth, I use non-toxic acrylic paints, magazine collage’ and an eclectic array of objects initially intended for other projects.  I believe there is enough negativity in the world so my work includes positive affirmations and poetry that I've created and collected over the years.  “Beneath the Trees...” is inspired by my appreciation of nature; and the "Lala" and “Femmes” series honor the beauty & diversity of the funkalicious women in my life.  I've also created miniature canvases which make great gifts for friends as well as for yourself; as I like to say, "To me, from me, with love."  

In addition to creating one of a kind art by commission, I participate in art festivals and pay it forward by volunteering for various charity events including Chairish the Future, benefitting the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, www.furniturebankatlanta.org  & www.chairishthefuture.com; and It's About Time, benefitting G-Capp, an advocacy campaign for the prevention of teen pregnangy in Georgia.  A portion of the profits from the series, "...with or without hair" and "There is Hope" are donated to The American Cancer Society and the Women's Resource Center respectively.

In 2009 I was commissioned by interior designer Jillian Pritchard-Cooke of DES-SYN Inc. http://www.des-syn.com/info/about.html to create a 30”X30” tree for the Decorators Showhouse for the Cure at The Brookwood, Atlanta’s first LEED-certified residential high-rise community. 

                      

I also received a commission from author James L. Thompson, Jr. to design a tree for the cover of his second book, Adopted for Publication. (http://www.publishamerica.net/product27715.html)  

                                     

Well, that's the short version.  If you want to know the rest meet me at Eclipse di Luna to share stories, salsa, tapas and tequila while listening to Sasha play his hauntingly beautiful flamenco guitar... OR you can just email me at lala@laurawellem.com w/questions, commissions, pricing & purchases.  Either one is fine. 

Namaste,  Laura