Artistry Rooted in Early Fascination
Laurie Skantzos, an artist celebrated for her dynamic use of color, shape, and process, was born in Toronto and developed an early fascination with the visual arts. Her initial curiosity about the interaction of colors and shapes grew into a lifelong passion, leading her to study Fine Art at the University of Waterloo. This academic background provided a formal foundation that would support her evolving artistic journey. Skantzos’s work is characterized by a meticulous balance of vibrant hues and geometric forms, creating pieces that are both visually striking and deeply contemplative.
From a young age, Skantzos was captivated by how colors could be manipulated to evoke different emotions and narratives. This early intrigue propelled her into a world where art was not just a hobby but a central part of her existence. Her formative years were marked by constant experimentation, as she sought to understand the limitless possibilities that art could offer. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and expression laid the groundwork for her future endeavors, where each piece became a testament to her dedication and evolving vision.
As she progressed through her education and early career, Skantzos honed her skills and refined her artistic voice. Her time at the University of Waterloo was instrumental in shaping her approach to art, providing her with the tools and techniques that would become the hallmarks of her practice. This period of intense learning and growth was crucial in establishing the foundation upon which she would build her distinguished career, marked by a unique blend of technical proficiency and creative exploration.
Laurie Skantzos: Portals of Light and Reflection
Skantzos’s minimalist wall sculptures, known as the “Portals” series, are among her most distinctive works. These pieces explore the interplay between solidity and ethereality, using materials like oil, cold wax, and acrylic on shaped plywood. The beveled edges of these sculptures are painted with neon colors that reflect off the walls, creating a dynamic interaction with the surrounding environment. This reflective quality imbues the pieces with a sense of movement and change, as the “glow” shifts with the light throughout the day.
The inspiration for the Portals series stems from Skantzos’s desire to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity in viewers. By blending solid forms with ethereal light effects, she creates an immersive experience that encourages observers to see the artwork from multiple perspectives. Each piece in the series invites viewers to engage with it not just as a static object, but as a living element that changes with its environment. This interaction between the artwork and its surroundings is a core theme in Skantzos’s practice, emphasizing the fluid boundaries between art and life.
Technically, the creation of these sculptures involves a meticulous process of layering and manipulation. Skantzos uses hand-cut templates to apply shapes and colors, intentionally embracing imperfections to highlight the human touch in her work. The use of neon paints and reflective surfaces adds an extra dimension to the pieces, transforming them into portals of light that captivate and intrigue. This combination of technical skill and creative vision results in works that are both visually compelling and conceptually profound.
Emotional Resonance in Color and Form
Laurie Skantzos’s work is marked by a wide range of emotional expressions, from playful and bright compositions to subdued and monochromatic pieces. The choice of color palette for each piece is deeply influenced by her emotional state and the themes she is exploring at the time. Vibrant colors are often used to evoke feelings of joy and energy, while more subdued tones reflect introspection and contemplation. This emotional versatility is a testament to her ability to communicate complex feelings through visual means.
The process of selecting colors and forms is an intuitive one for Skantzos, driven by her responses to both her inner world and external inspirations. Each piece becomes a snapshot of a moment in her emotional journey, encapsulating the nuances of her feelings at that time. This approach allows her to create works that are deeply personal, yet universally relatable. By experimenting with different color relationships, she continually finds new ways to express the diverse spectrum of human emotions.
Her exploration of color and form is not just about aesthetic appeal, but also about creating a dialogue between the viewer and the artwork. Skantzos believes in the power of art to connect people on an emotional level, transcending words and conventional communication. Through her vibrant and evocative pieces, she invites viewers to reflect on their own emotions and experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the human condition.
Laurie Skantzos: The Evolving Artistic Journey
One of the defining characteristics of Laurie Skantzos’s practice is its constant evolution. She is committed to keeping her work fresh and innovative by continually experimenting with new materials and techniques. This relentless pursuit of artistic growth ensures that her practice never stagnates, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. By challenging herself to explore different media and methods, she not only keeps her work dynamic but also continues to grow as an artist.
Exhibiting her work internationally and receiving recognition and awards have played significant roles in her artistic journey. These experiences have been both validating and inspiring, providing Skantzos with the motivation to keep pushing her practice forward. They have also allowed her to connect with a global audience, broadening her perspective and enriching her work with diverse influences. These interactions have been invaluable in shaping her artistic vision and fueling her desire to explore new creative horizons.
Teaching art at various institutions and offering private and semi-private classes is another aspect of Skantzos’s career that influences her practice. Sharing her passion for art with others not only reinforces her understanding of the artistic process but also keeps her engaged and constantly learning. Teaching allows her to remain connected to the core principles of creativity and exploration, which are fundamental to her work. This exchange of ideas and techniques with her students provides a continuous source of inspiration and growth, ensuring that her practice remains vibrant and ever-evolving.
