Artist Laura Trisiano creates engaging mixed media sculpture with found and vintage elements. Enjoy her portfolio and find more of her work on her website.
“Asana 1” seashells, paint, old wood and driftwood, waxed thread, fringe, freshwater pearl, 7” x 5.75” x 5.5”
Making art has always been my trusted “go-to place” where the world stops and it’s just me alone with my creating and all the infinite possibilities of that. Seeing art, living with art, and making art is strong medicine. It gives me my much-needed escape from the world and brings solace and joy to my mind and heart.
“Ganesha 1” clay, paint, reclaimed old wood, preserved moss, metal finding, Venetian glass bead, 6” x 1.75” x 2”
My first memory of making art was in my garage cutting wood with a small saw at my dad’s workbench to make a bed for one of my tiny dolls. I still have that little bed along with its handmade blanket and pillow.
“Sat Nam” paint on panel, reclaimed old wood, vintage jewelry parts and chain, brass bell, 9” x 5.5” x 1”
Throughout high school my art classes were my sanctuary. Afterwards, I studied at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, New Jersey, receiving my BFA in ceramics and sculpture in 1982.
“Portable Paradise” clay, paint, reclaimed old wood, turquoise bead, brass bell, 6.25” x 7.5” x 2.5”
Upon graduating I became immersed in hand painting and dyeing fabrics which took me in the direction of the fiber arts. For over 30 years I made wearable art, wall hangings, folding screens, decorative pillows, and table runners.
“Celebrate Earth 2” preserved moss, stone, champagne wire cage, vintage and antique jewelry parts, box made from reclaimed wood, 5.625” x 5.625” x 2”
Inspired by and attracted to contrasting elements, I added rare, vintage, or antique objects to my pieces such as Mayan clay beads, coral, patinaed jewelry parts, sleigh bells, and ammonites, for example. My fiber art was represented by galleries, museum shops, home furnishing stores, and upscale boutiques, including Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel in New York City.
“Filling Station” clay, paint, reclaimed old wood, old metal, Venetian glass bead, freshwater pearl, brass bell, 6.75” x 3.5” x 2.5”
Themes of pairing the old with the new continues in my current work of sculpture and mixed media paintings. I’m attracted to that which is timeworn, and gather things on my walks in forests, along roads, and from salvage, antique and flea markets. I’m drawn to the smallest of details that makes something memorable and distinctive. From as long as I can remember, a whole series was often inspired by the tiniest of treasures, like a freshwater pearl. If it doesn’t speak to my heart, it isn’t pursued.
“Offering 1” seashells, paint, old wood, driftwood, faux flowers, freshwater pearl, 6.75” x 4.25” x 4”
Nature provides endless inspiration along with my personal experiences of spiritual practice – kirtan, bhakti yoga, and silent meditation retreats for the past 30 years. When making art, I’m most interested in tapping into that expansive akashic space of existence. It’s a gateway where the physical and spiritual worlds meet. Through my art, I explore the interplay and interconnection of what is seen and unseen, and the merging of inner and outer worlds. My intention is to express what’s hidden and beyond the forms, to convey the spirit and essence of things.
“Samadhi” clay, paint, seashells, driftwood, silk, freshwater pearls, 9” x 4.5” x 4”
My process is intuitive. I feel, ask, wait, and listen for what wants to unfold. Pairing materials and elements together is more than an aesthetic choice for me. I’m always aware of the deeper meanings and symbolic layers inherent in everything. Using old worn wood and delicate silk together in my art is not only beautiful to me, but also speaks to complimentary qualities of earthy stability and ethereal otherworldliness.
“Asana 2” reclaimed old wood, paint, seashells, silk, 10” x 3” x 1”
I invite you to see my art as visual invocations similar in the way a sacred song or prayer calls to the transcendent.
Laura Trisiano invites you to follow on Instagram.
Unique pieces of art. What creativity with vintage elements. Each piece carries with it a sacred message.
I love the dichotomies in your work Laura. And, the way in which I was drawn into the tiniest of detail. Beautiful.