Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Kiro.
Laura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion for art started at a very young age. My mother is an artist and really surrounded me with creativity. She exposed me to the works of Van Gogh amongst other artists, Art Museums and various techniques. Then, when I was a freshman in high school, I had an amazing art teacher named Ms. Becker who essentially brought out the talent I had as well. My first work was exhibited in Campbell House Gallery in Geneva, IL. I continued with Ms. Becker for 2 hours a day all the way until senior year. This really gave me the foundation I needed in terms of style, technique, knowledge and further appreciation of the arts.
After high school, I immediately went into retail management focusing heavily on visual presentation, marketing, team development and sales. Retail gave me an invaluable understanding of the average consumers needs, appealing displays and running profit and losses which is so important in a business of any size. As I moved up ladder in management, eventually becoming an Area Manager, I continued to paint and build my clientele. I always laugh at the way my clientele was initially established and refer to it as the “Can I buy that painting above your couch?” period.
It came time to make a decision as I was again, facing another promotion with my retail company. Here I was, moving up in my career but lessoning the amount of time I had for my art, which truly is my first passion. I decided to book a two week trip to Europe visiting London, Paris and Amsterdam. As I immersed myself in the beauties of traveling abroad, I visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. While staring at a Van Gogh self portrait, I looked at my husband and said, “This is it. I’m quitting my job and solely being an artist.” It was a decision that I debated for a very long time and knew the timing would have to be right. I went home and put in a two month notice and the rest is history!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I first started solely relying on an income as an artist, I became pregnant with my first child and now have two. This has been a challenge but also so rewarding. A lot of my work comes about when Im randomly inspired and ideas pop in my brain. Balancing being a new mom and creating my work during daytime hours has been a big challenge. I love painting in the sunlight but its also difficult with a toddler tugging on your arm while you perfect line work. Haha! I’m proud that they get to see what I create daily though and they really love watching. I wouldn’t change it for the world!
It’s also important to educate the public on original art. There are so many mass produced works that are sold for a fraction of what artists charge at large retailers. Buying mass produced wall art depletes the fine art scene and creates challenges for artists to make a viable income. Theres something to be said for original work and the history of true artists. Shop local and seek out artists on social media platforms, at fairs and sites like Etsy. We must continue to feed into the arts and small businesses so that one day it will not become obsolete.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Laura Kiro Art – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Today, I am a traveling gallery. I exhibit in juried art fairs throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs in the summer and display my work in coffee shops and restaurants in the winter. Over the years my styles have varied and evolved. I started out as a still life and portrait artist, then moved to solely abstract and now to what I refer to as a whimsical, pop art. All works are acrylic on canvas and sometimes mixed media.
My work is centered around the emotion “happiness”. I translate that through vibrant colors and playful scenes. I always like to say that I paint “feelings”. Some of us are naturally happy and some need that boost. I utilize a rainbow of colors that are bold and really pull you in. The intention is to put a smile on your face and brighten your day. It gives me so much joy to see the smiles when people find my work for the first time. With each piece that sells, I know I’m adding color and inspiration to the world. This is priceless for me.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I would love to own my own by appointment gallery in Chicago or surrounding area. As I continue to perfect my portfolio, I move closer to that goal. I plan on expanding my work to textiles for clothing, purses and more. I also LOVE to travel and as I do, you will continue to see new works from me of the locations I visit! I love to explore places and capture the overall essence of my work.
I also want to continue to grow my following. Each social media following matters. My biggest challenge to myself is for art aficionados to look at my work and say, “That’s a Laura Kiro piece.” This will solidify my style as cohesive and leave an identity to my work far beyond my years.
Pricing:
- Original Art Work from $25-$1500
- Canvas Prints from $50-$450
- Fine Art Paper Prints from $25-$125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurakiro.com
- Email: laurakiroart@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurakiroart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurakiroart
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LauraKiro
Image Credit:
Laura Kiro Copyright ©2018
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
