Artist Biography

Laurie Hanig is a mixed media artist who incorporates textured papers, paints, textiles and embellishments in her multilayered artwork. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art from UC Santa Cruz and Teaching Credentials both in Art and Special Education from California State University, Northridge.

Organic and unpredictable shapes that interact with whimsical like subjects on canvas is one way to describe Laurie's approach to painting. She gravitates towards themes that are spiritually and socially important to her. Laurie's use of symbolism is inherent in most of her artwork. Doves, trees and hamsas are some of the repeating subjects that for her, represent meaningful concepts and experiences. Earth tones dominate her paint palette while colorful, handmade papers, stamps, fibers, jewels and gels contribute to the collage process. Creating art is a passion she looks forward to daily.

Laurie has retired from teaching and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves to travel and is always working on a new art creation in her home studio. She is a member of the Westlake Village Art Guild and Thousand Oaks Art Association. Laurie is Director of Membership for the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley where she is actively involved in supporting the over 40 cultural Member Organizations affiliated with the Arts Council. Laurie is also a member of the Conejo Cottontail Committee in collaboration with Art Trek which promotes public art throughout the community.

Artist Statement 

As a mixed media artist, I find inspiration in the world around me. I am constantly energized to create works of art. It is a passion, a gift, a retreat from the monotony. I gravitate towards themes that are spiritually and socially important to me. The use of symbolism is inherent in most of my artwork . Doves, trees, and hamsas are some of those repeating subjects that represent meaningful concepts and experiences that I’ve had especially during my travels abroad.

The process of creating a mixed media collage is the most exciting part of the creative process since I never know how the combination of using different materials is going to react on the substrate. Incorporating textured handmade papers, stamps, textiles paints, embellishments, fibers, jewels and gels into multilayered artwork is part of my artist journey. I love introducing organic and unpredictable shapes that interact with whimsical like subjects. An earth tone color palette seems to be calling me but I can’t help to add intense pops of color along the way.