Laura Martin Bio:

My name is Laura Martin and I am a fine art painter.  I was born in Ontario but have moved to Vancouver, British Columbia.  I graduated from the University of Toronto with a BA degree in Fine Arts and Art History.  I have been a practicing artist working on commissions by word of mouth for 20 years. My newest work in my portfolio is entitled "The Persuasion of Water".  I have captured how water can mimic human emotion by its movement, colour and fluidity.  I have captured how water can seem to have a spirit and personality of its own.  Water reminds us that we must constantly adapt, change and go with the flow.  One of my pieces is called "Okanagan on Fire".  It is a testament to what I experienced with the wildfires in the Okanagan and water shortage.  As climate change continues to mark our land, water is becoming more and more of a threatened resource.  Water dictates our survival.  As an artist and human being, I am deeply reflective and cognisant of what this means for our future as humanity, more than just as a painting.  If this precious resource is not protected then we will not survive.  I also take inspiration as a person with indigenous African blood flowing in me.  I have Bantu heritage from South Africa.  The indigenous peoples of Africa found it necessary to respect, give homage and protect their natural resources. 

I find inspiration in nature and project my personal journey and emotion through the use of line, colour and symbolism.  In this way, my art has been greatly influenced by the great Expressionists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Edward Munch, Marc Chagall and Emily Carr.  I also have been inspired by Surrealism with artists such as Frida Kahlo and Rene Magritte. Indigenous artists in many countries have also been an inspiration in the attention to line fluidity, natural themes and the innately spiritual.