Featured Artist Laura Lee Bradshaw

Prolific sculptor and classical figurative artist Laura Lee Bradshaw presents an impressive selection of her work. Visit her website to see more of her portfolio.

 

 

I am Laura Lee Stay Bradshaw, a Utah-based figurative sculptor. I have a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Brigham Young University. My work is defined by themes of celebration and joy, and can be often found enhancing public spaces such as parks, plazas, and water features.

 

 

Over the past 35 years, I have successfully sold limited-edition bronze castings to a diverse range of clients. My passion for capturing the human form in a timeless medium has led to the creation of many unique pieces that reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

 

 

Through my sculptures, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and inspiration. I invite viewers to connect with their humanity and that of others. Whether it’s the mesmerizing pull of the sea on a sailor in Fisherman’s Gaze, the celebration of love between a mother and child in Child of Light, or the depiction of a female muse in Dawn Awakening, each piece tells a different story and captures a lifelike presence.

 

 

Sculpting is a delicate and meticulous process, one that I engage in with great passion and reverence. Working with live models, I carefully manipulate clay into sculpted figures. Each pinch of clay brings the form closer to the shape and pose I envision.

 

 

The model is my reference, a vital source of inspiration that helps me to channel their unique personality and body into the sculpture.

 

 

As an artist, I’m not afraid to take artistic liberties. I alter proportions or exaggerate gestures to bring the sculpture to life. Working with models is a collaborative experience, one that influences my creative process profoundly. The human body is endlessly fascinating. I take great care to convey the unique beauty and complexity of the individuals I sculpt.

 

 

During the sculpting process, I work both with and without a model, spending countless hours alone in my studio, lost in the creative process. Often, I choose to incorporate universal themes, such as celebration, human dignity, or the journey through time, to imbue each sculpture with a deeper meaning and significance. The content of each piece is never defined at the outset; instead, I allow each sculpture to take shape and guide me in a direction that is both unexpected and meaningful.

 

 

My art speaks for itself. My art is created with care and dedication, every piece reflecting my heart and soul. I do not seek to make bold statements or create loud works of art. Instead, I aim to capture the quiet moments, the subtle gestures, and the sublime beauty that surrounds us every day. My art is a gentle expression of the love and wonder that lies within all of us.

 

 

With a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and attention to detail, I strive to create pieces that inspire and captivate viewers for generations to come. My goal is to create a more beautiful world through my art, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others.

 

 

A few of my significant sculptures are the statue of Martha Hughes Cannon, an eight-foot bronze monument at the Utah State Capitol; Celebration of Healing, an eighteen-foot bronze in Monroe, Louisiana; and portrait busts of Presidents Gordon B. Hinckley and Howard W. Hunter in the LDS Conference Center at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

Laura Lee Bradshaw invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

 

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