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Laura Wait – Artist Statement
“Environment, words, calligraphy, celestial movements, time, symbols, history, music, elemental energy are some of the many influences on my artwork. While it appears I am simply an abstract painter using letterforms, there are meanings Beneath the Surface. I don’t offer simple explanations for my markings; understanding often must be intuited. Titles become very important in entering the world of my paintings, as they provide a key to my imagery. While often illegible, word forms as image are indeed the primary vehicle of my art. I use words to form marks and symbols, adding layers to create history and depth of imagery. I have always been interested in graffiti, as well as Asian art and medieval manuscripts. I think that graffiti is especially important as a driver in new forms of abstract art like the African music rhythms that influenced jazz and rock music in the last century. Numbers as mathematics, or as symbols are also part of my language. My art is influenced by my history. I was a bookbinder and then a book artist for about thirty years, printmaking, and painting at the same time. My techniques are inspired by my experience with paper, cutting accurately, monoprinting, collagraphs, calligraphy, and paste painting. I now use acrylic as the main medium, but often start with paper which is attached to the panel asthe first layer. Many layers of paint and imagery are required for the final results.”