Visual Artist Spotlight: Laura Thykeson
Visual Artist Spotlight: Laura Thykeson
Q1.) When did you decide to become an artist?
A1. I actually knew when I was a child that I wanted to be an artist. I really can’t remember when it started, but around 1986 is when I got serious and got some supplies and started painting. I never took classes, because I couldn’t afford them at the time.
Q2.) When, if at all, did you realize that God had called you to be an artist?
A2. I really began to realize this fact after my first heart bypass surgery in 2006. I felt that God had a purpose for me, and that somehow, through my art, I was supposed to be helping people. Recently I have become an Expressive Arts Facilitator, and teach classes based more on content and self confidence and self esteem than actual art techniques. I may not show you how to draw the perfect nose, but I do hope you come away from class feeling better about both yourself and your art.
Q3.) Where did you receive your training?
A3. I am totally self taught, although Youtube has been a life-saver for learning how to use new supplies!
Q4)How did your training influence what you’re doing now?
A4. My only real training has been my life that I have lived and the art I have created along the way. There has been much turmoil, lack of peace, low self esteem and lack of self confidence along the way, and alot of it was because of bad situations and bad decisions I put myself into. I hope to help others avoid those same mistakes, if I possibly can, as well as help them to process any negative emotions through their art. I feel I have a story to share of perserverence and determination and joy and yes, finally peace through my Lord, and I hope to be able to share it with other artists.
Q5.)Please describe your art style and medium and why you chose that particular one (or how God influenced this choice).
A5. I am a mixed media, multi-medium artist. I work in all mediums, and mix many techniques together when doing an art piece..I have also recently started adding fabric and lace into many of my art pieces.
Q6.)What do you do or use to keep yourself inspired for your art work?
A6. I wake up every morning, and come to my art studio. Just walking in here gives me the inspiration that I need. I also belong to some Design Teams and NING sites that are very inspirational and uplifting.
Q7.)In what ways do you incorporate God into your work?
A7. Every piece I create has a part of my soul in it, and God fills my soul at all times. So, when I create, I am creating through his grace for allowing me to have the talent and capability to express myself in this way.
Q8.) Is there a class or offer that you would like to share with my readers?
A8. I am teaching a class right now called “Embrace the Day” where we deal with one emotion a week through Expressive art journaling and discussion. It is both live and recorded for later viewing. It is only $10.00/4 weeks, and there is still plenty of time to join us, as there are about 19 classes (weeks) left in the class, plus the recordings of the previous classes.[Link is now defunct.]
Q9.) Any final thoughts about sharing your art work with my blog readers?
A9. I would just want them to know that after all of my heart and health problems, I feel that I have a purpose in life, and that God has saved me for that special reason. I truly want to help others have more fulfilled and peaceful lives, and if I can help them, please email me at LThykeson@yahoo.com and we will find a way together!
ARTIST BIO: Laura Thykeson
Designed and sold my commissioned artwork and painted clothing and purses at my business for 10 years (and now) working both from home and running a brick and mortar store.
I have worked for two different wholesalers, supplying them with my hand painted creations for them to sell to other businesses.
I have been writing poetry, short and long stories, eulogies and remembrances for families that have lost a loved one.
I also contribute articles on a regular basis for several art and creativity websites. They are Mixed Media Art.net and Art Instruction Blog.com
I also write 1 blogs of my own dealing with art and creativity – Have an Etsy Shop called L Thykeson’s Uniques, a NING site by the same name and write for Hubpages.com
(c) 2012 Cheryl Cope
Cheryl Cope on Google+