Laura Monk | About

I create abstract paintings and drawings that want to grow.

My work is layered with organic forms, intersecting lines and bold color to convey movement and energy. The undulating figures do not become trapped within the restrictions of the surface, but could continue in any direction off the edge.

While in the process of creating, I want it to be intimate. So, I put aside my brush and get my hands dirty in oil, acylic, graphite and charcoal. The media is applied in transparent layers allowing initial gestural marks to be revealed. Ultimately, I want the viewer to explore and envision the transformation, and potential expansion, of each work.

Read bio or exhibition highlights, click on the tabs below.

BIO highlights

Baby and toddler years //
Born in Gainesville, Florida at a hospital that has been demolished and replaced by the expanding University of Florida art program. I was a fat baby. I recall staring at orange beads hanging in the kitchen and contemplated how the light reflected on them beautifully. Also caught stick bugs and stood in fire ant piles.

Elementary school //
Became jealous of my younger brother’s success at winning an art competition with a drawing of an apple tree. Decided to become an artist myself because I could draw a horse relatively well. My decision was justified when I received a first place ribbon for the school’s handwriting contest. I also got a neon orange skateboard. Went to London and was fascinated by the chipmunk outside of Buckingham Palace.

Those odd years //
It was middle school in the 80s, so isn’t it obvious! Just envision the totally awesome combo of big hair, braces, Jean Nate body splash and Space Invaders. Though, I did spend a decent amount of time catching lizards from the yard and shrimp and konch from the dock. (Don’t worry, I was concerned about animal welfare even then, so all animals were later released.)

High school //
Met life-long friends and had a great art teacher, Jill Branham East, who would read and walk all over town. Had my first show and won an honor of merit for a mixed media self portrait where I sported a parrot earring. The rest of this rites-of-passage time is deliberately left undescribed.

College //
Graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in Art Education. My fine art focus was drawing, and I poo-pooed the graphic design department. Really, an entire semester on typography? That isn't real art. (This becomes funny later. Read on.) I had a show at the Reitz Union on campus and people wondered about my minotaur lithographs and sunken-eyed self portraits.

A quick detour //
“Why not travel to St. Louis? My little brother and I shall share an apartment while he is in chiropractic school, and I shall be inspired by the gateway to the west, the Mississippi and the Italian culture on the hill,” so I thought. By the way, fried raviolis aren’t that tasty.

Professional endeavors //
Ran away from screwy St. Lou-wee, and headed back to the south to give Atlanta a try. Who knew an artist could work by day in accounts receivable AND create art AND paint live at a restaurant? Certainly real art patrons came to see my deviant paintings on raw, torn canvas, not to simply eat their dinner.

Side note //
The Olympics in Atlanta (very cool minus the explosion.) Met a tall boy.

Professional endeavors //
An artist’s dream comes true! I had been hired by an accounting firm. Now, I could really focus on my art and pay the bills. Luckily, they had a creative department. I took classes at night and during weekends, built a portfolio and transferred within the company to work as graphic designer. (So, I learned good design has thoughtful typography.)

Side note //
Married that tall boy.

Professional endeavors //
Met Deanna Sirlin who mentored local emerging artists at the Atlanta College of Art. Produced work with gestural figures on paper mounted to custom frames. A few of us from the group, along with others, came together to reinstate the Georgia Chapter of the National Women’s Caucus of Art. It was now that I fully appreciated feminist art. Had a quick rendez-vous to Mexico and Chichen Itza and learned five Spanish words.

Had a studio in downtown Atlanta and participated in many group shows. My work at this time is mixed media with intertwining figures, and I am using a lot of large rolled paper. Went to Costa Rica where I ventured on the zip lines of Monteverde to conquer my fear of heights. (It wasn't effective.) Welcomed a baby girl and began a series of fifteen-minute drawings between diaper changes.

The big move //
Convinced my family to move back to my hometown of St. Petersburg where we could be surrounded by tropical flora, the sights of sunsets, and spot horseshoe crabs, dolphins and manatees. (Smells not recommended at low tide in certain areas.)

Continued group showings in Florida and Georgia. Received a grant for giclee prints, accepted to artistic career development workshop at Florida Craftsman Gallery, visited Sante Fe Canyon Road and opened a Facebook account.

Traveled to Italy and learned ten Italian words.

EXHIBITION highlights