Butterfield Garage May Feature Artist Laura O’Neal Presents STAND TALL, An Artist Talk, First Friday May 3, at 6pm is an opportunity to hear about Laura’s process, as she takes the viewer beyond the surface imagery to the intention within.

Laura has been an artist with Butterfield Garage since 2011. Prose and lyrics often accompany her colorful whimsical paintings. Her art is expressive, and reflect her growth as a person and an artist. There is a meaning and depth to discover beyond the surface.

“STAND TALL”, the title of her exhibit, is intended to “… inspire the viewer to think about their connection to the Earth and of being grounded; happy where you are in this present moment. Then, to encourage the viewer to lift heads high and seek to align themselves with that which is higher and greater. Lastly, to receive that magic. I hope you smile!”

Laura says “I have always written prose and lyrics as a way to inspire the visual. The words I write, however, have become much more valuable over the last couple of years.” “My word-swirl forms the energy-body of the piece. Words make their way into the background and sometimes the foreground. I believe words are very powerful and can even have the ability to co-create. Sometimes those words in your head are best left in the background. Through obscuring the negative dialogue, a space (in the head as well as the canvas) can be cleared so that a vibrant LIFE can emerge, rich in color!

My pieces sometimes seem “busy” because I sense the energy that is happening all around us on so many levels. The thing I like most about my work is its duplicity. At first the viewer may notice the whimsical nature and the bright colors. Sometimes a patron may take the step further; to actually read the poetry and then understand that this seemingly fun little piece actually has something profound to state.

I have enjoyed playing around with my new creations and their exaggerated lengths. As an artist, we spend chunks of time in solitude, so these characters have actually come to life for me, and have provided me wonderful, humorous company. These pieces represent being grounded; with feet on the Earth and being “down to Earth” while traveling along on that lofty path of ASCENSION.