Laurie Goodhart: Weaving Timeless Narratives Through Art
Laurie Goodhart, a seasoned artist with a rich professional history spanning over 35 years, brings a deep contemplative quality to her diverse body of work. Her artistic practice, underpinned by a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Albany, encompasses a variety of mediums, including oil on canvas, watercolor, stoneware, block prints, artist books, paper mobiles, and sculpture. This impressive range is matched by her thoughtful integration of philosophical and natural elements into her art.
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Laurie's art is not confined to a single medium. Her ability to express artistic visions through both traditional and unconventional materials highlights her versatility and willingness to explore different artistic expressions. Whether it’s the fluidity of watercolors or the solidity of stoneware vessels, each medium Laurie works with becomes a conduit for her exploration of deeper truths about humanity and nature.
Themes of Sustenance, Beauty, and Grace
Central to Laurie's work is her desire to "conjure a little sweetness" and anchor it in the "mythic, mystic, and cycles of Nature." Her paintings often feature motifs such as vessels, birds, plant life, and human figures, each serving as symbols within a broader narrative about sanctuary and survival. These themes are timeless, touching on the universal human need for sustenance, beauty, and grace, while also responding to contemporary issues.
Inspired by Ancient Cultures and Farm Life
Laurie's artwork is deeply influenced by her studies in fine art and philosophy, as well as her extensive experience as an organic farmer from 1988 to 2017. Her engagement with farming—particularly her work with goats and the alchemical transformations of milk and plants—has infused her art with a profound understanding of life’s cycles and perils. This connection to the land and to the primal struggles of existence brings a unique authenticity and depth to her artistic expressions.
A Sanctuary Through Art
The recurring theme in Laurie's art of an "elusive yet inviting sanctuary" reflects her view of art as a refuge and a reflective space. Frequently, her pieces draw from remnants of ancient cultures, linking past narratives with present circumstances. This bridging of times and cultures offers viewers not only a visual experience but also an emotional and intellectual journey, connecting them with the shared continuities of human experience.
Conclusion
Laurie Goodhart's extensive body of work showcases her commitment to exploring and expressing the complex interplay between humanity and nature. Through her diverse use of mediums and her integration of personal and historical themes, Laurie offers a compelling perspective on the enduring and evolving challenges of human existence. As she continues to create and exhibit her work across the US and Canada, Laurie Goodhart remains a vital voice in the contemporary art scene, inviting us all to find sanctuary and meaning in the beauty and grace of the natural world.
