Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Laura Bracken. I make jewelry using metals, stones, and enamels.
Why do you do what you do?
Creating makes me happy. I enjoy turning raw materials into an emotional narrative that may speak to someone else.
What themes do you pursue?
The themes I’m drawn to include an exciting use of color, the style of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Japanese minimalism with clean lines, and the world of fantasy. My work is unapologetically “all over the place”.
Describe a real life situation that inspired you.
I was 16 when I saw my first recognizable artwork in a museum, a Maxfield Parrish painting.
After years of seeing his fairy tale illustrations in my beloved childhood books, looking at an original painting in person was a profound and moving experience. Experiencing firsthand how art can affect a person was definitely a turning point in my desire to create.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
Research scientist, belly dancer, lead guitarist in a few bands, motorsports journalist.
What are your hobbies?
Cooking, which is very much like working in my studio because it’s all about experimenting and creating.
