STATEMENT
My current work depicts the intertwined relationships between figures, objects, and spaces.
Pieces are often inspired by photos with a personal connection and narrative. The specific choice of subject is based on a shape, relationship between objects, gesture, or facial expression that I find compelling in a way that’s humorous or uncanny.
Finding a balance between loose/tight and abstract/realistic is integral in my visual exploration. Curiosity and experimenting with materials is also a foundation of my work. I’ve been using plaster coated felt as a support for a number of years. The thick felt is hand cut, resulting in irregular physical shapes and edges. The plaster-coated surface adds disruption.
BIO
Born in Boston, MA, Laura Figlewski currently lives and works in Baltimore, MD.
EDUCATION | RESIDENCIES
Independent Study with Jim Condron, Baltimore, MD (2016-present)
Residency at the Studios at MASS MoCA, N. Adams, MA (2017, 2019, 2022)
Eclipse Mill, Annual Art Retreat, N. Adams, MA (2013-2018)
Fine Arts Work Center, Monoprint Workshop, Provincetown, MA
Towson University, Community Art Center Painting Classes, Towson, MD
B.A., Art/Graphic Design, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT
B.A., Psychology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
TAG, Being Seen exhibition, Frederick, MD (2023)
District Arts, Food for Thought exhibition, Frederick, MD (2022)
Maryland Federation of Art, Food for Thought exhibition, Annapolis, MD (2021)
Maryland Federation of Art, Focal Point exhibition, Annapolis, MD (2020)
Hereford Public Library, Inside/Out, Hereford, MD (2017)
Maryland Federation of Art, Small Wonders exhibition, Annapolis, MD (2017)
Maryland Federation of Art, Small Wonders exhibition, Annapolis, MD (2016)
Front Art Space, SM15 (online exhibition and printed catalogue), New York, NY (2015)
COMMISSIONS
Series of five pieces based on literary quotes, private collection
GROUP ART INSTALLATION | PERMANENT COLLECTION
The Mandalas at Sheppard Pratt
Art “fragments” created by participants in a community art experience were assembled by a small team of artists into 12 mandalas and are part of a permanent collection.
CURATORIAL EXPERIENCE
Assistant Curator, 2005-2017
– Worked with curator Ted Cohen on two permanent hospital art collections interviewing artists, visiting galleries, acquiring, framing, and installing over 120 pieces both public and therapeutic spaces for the Sheppard Pratt Health System. Continued to maintain both collections until 2017.
– Created two collection catalogues for the Sheppard Pratt Health System including graphic design, coordinating photography, working with writers on short essays for each piece, and print management.