Kim Laurel

Kim Laurel is an artist and graphic designer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She studied at Oberlin College, The Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University and received her Masters Degree from Illinois State University. She has exhibited her work internationally and her works are part of both public and private collections. Kim teaches public and private classes in Monoprint, Collagraph, Collage and specialty techniques on a per-request basis.

website: http://www.kimlaurel.com/

TEACHER FEATURE: a Q & A with Kim Laurel

How long have you been at CPC?

I’ve been a member of the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative for 30 years come 2019.

Why do you make art?

I’ve been making art since I started mark making as a child. Even then I thought, “this is what I want to do”. I’m compelled to make things, whether they are in two or three dimensions, crafted objects or part of a visual narrative. My mind, eye and hand, thankfully, continue this investigation.

How does teaching and printmaking play a part in your studio practice?

I love to share with others the monoprint experience of control, the unexpected and the process. That freedom to investigate is so very important, to go beyond category restrictions. There are so many nuances within the monoprint form and the integration of mixed media makes it a very rich and dimensional adventure. Through teaching, I learn about different perspectives and problem solving. Variation is where my interests are focused. Mixed print media has always remained fresh for me and part of my teaching philosophy.

What other media do you enjoy working in?

Monoprint forms both on and off the press, in both oil and water media, from there I add and subtract mixed media. Sewing into my work is an extension of my textile interest. Sculpture, installation work and photography.

What direction are you planning to go in the coming year with your work?

For many years I have been pursuing ecology and the study animals in my work. I plan on continuing that investigation along with deconstructed kite, kimono and abstracted form studies through monoprint, mixed media and installation.

What is your favorite non-art distraction?

My dog, gardening and nature…to name a few, seems like I have a boat load of interests.

Who are some artists (dead or alive) that inspire you?

Jim Dine for his graphic hand, Robert Irwin for light, form and shadow, Will Barnet for iconic shape and hierarchical proportion, Vincent Hawkins for raw minimal form.

Other inspirations?

Kites, Japanese, African and Outsider Art

Who is your favorite printmaker?

Judy Pfaff – she breaks all the boundaries with beauty and challenges the mind.

In your past life, you were a _______.

Sea Otter

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?

Omnivore through and through, so both.

What color crayon are you in the crayon box?

Cobalt or ultramarine blue. Speaking of the crayon box… I’ve always had a fondness for Mauve. As a child, I would set the mauve crayon aside. I really never used it much. Whistler said, “Mauve is just pink trying to be purple.” That aspiration was always nice to admire as an object of color.

Check out other TEACHER FEATURE interviews with CPC faculty HERE