In Conversation: Laura, Studio Technician

It has been a journey of discovery for Laura since she joined our yearlong Porthmeor Programme in 2019. Since then, she has become a much-loved part of the School, working alongside our Studio Team to help keep the studios running smoothly, while also nurturing young people through creativity and wellbeing.

Laura, Studio Technician

Life in the Studio

“I love the start of a course.

Everyone arrives excited – and sometimes a little anxious – to be in such an incredible historic studio space. But inevitably, people begin to relax and realise that it doesn’t matter how experienced they are. All levels are welcome here, and everyone works alongside one another.

A typical day for me involves plenty of prep, tea making, tidying, organising and planning – generally making sure the courses run smoothly and the studios are looking their best.”

Laura has been on a real journey with St Ives School of Painting. She first joined us as a student on our yearlong Porthmeor Programme, before becoming part of the Studio Team as an Art Technician.

Alongside her work in the studios, Laura has developed her own established art practice and now also teaches on our Young Artists Programme, supporting local young people to explore their creativity in a welcoming, encouraging space.

Laura found some time in her very busy schedule to chat with us.

What’s something students often worry about when they first arrive – and how do you help put them at ease?

I think students can sometimes arrive feeling worried about comparing themselves to others in the group, especially if they’re unsure of their own experience.

But it’s such a nurturing place, and people soon realise that everyone is on their own individual journey. Art is an infinite subject, and we’re all still learning – including the tutors.

Have any conversations with students or tutors stayed with you over the years?

So many conversations with tutors and students have stayed with me over the years, but Kerry Harding is the reason I first came to the School in 2019, to take part in the yearlong Porthmeor Programme.

That experience completely changed the direction of my life, my career and my art practice – so a very big thank you to artist and tutor Kerry Harding!

Laura, Studio Technician

Your Art Practice

Can you tell us a little about your own art practice? What materials or processes do you naturally gravitate towards?

I’m an abstract landscape artist, and I’m drawn to painting the vastness of the land and sky. The horizon and dark, rainy clouds are a constant source of inspiration, particularly where I live in St Agnes. That coastline is my reference point.

I generally work in acrylics, using bold colours and expressive brushstrokes, but I also regularly create mixed media work with papers, crayons, pencils and oil pastels. I’m really interested in the way different materials work together.

Does working in St Ives and in Porthmeor Studios influence the way you make your own work?

Definitely. Looking out from the Roy Ray Studio, the weather is on full show – changing completely from one minute, hour and day to the next.

I’m always taking photographs, which I may return to and use in my work at another time. But more than anything, it’s the history held within the walls of these studios. To think that Ben Nicholson, Sandra Blow, Borlase Smart and so many others have all worked here is incredible. You can’t help but feel inspired and creative.

When a parent says ‘I can’t believe how much happier my son is now, and he is being creative at home’ – it genuinely fills my heart with joy.

Laura

Laura, Studio Technician

Working with Young People

What’s the most rewarding part of working for our Young Artists Programme?

I absolutely love the fact that you really could be changing the path of someone’s life.

Being encouraging, and saying “there are no rules in art”, can immediately help a young person feel more positive and get the best out of themselves.

When a parent says, “I can’t believe how much happier my son is now – and he’s being creative at home,” it genuinely fills my heart with joy. The fact that I can bring some happiness to a young person who may have dealt with trauma or health issues is so important to me.

How do children approach creativity differently from adults?

Children are often much more willing to try new techniques and simply have a go.

Sometimes they need a little encouragement, but usually they realise quite quickly that they can just go for it. Then they begin to flourish – and that gives them confidence, not only in their art, but in themselves too.

Do you think teaching influences your own creative practice?

Absolutely. Teaching broadens my “toolbox” of techniques and materials.

Doing demonstrations also keeps my own practice feeling immediate and alive. You don’t have much time to produce examples, so you have to work with a certain energy and confidence – and that definitely feeds back into the way I make my own work.

What does creativity mean to you?

Not being afraid to try new experiences and be open to the opinions of others.

If you could spend a day painting with any artist, who would it be?

At the moment, I’m so inspired by David Tress. If I could do a workshop with him, that would be amazing. He used to run them, but doesn’t seem to anymore – so if he’s reading this, could he please do another one!

If it could be any artist from any time, then it would be Peter Lanyon. I love working big, and Lost Mine and Porthleven had such a huge influence on how I wanted to paint as an art student.