Shattered: Held From Above is the namesake and lead work of its series—a mixed‑media ritual forged from survival, grief, and profound spiritual revelation. Created with acrylic, oils, wax, and blacklight‑reactive pigment, the painting emerged during a year marked by the loss of both of the artist’s fathers on the same calendar day. Working by candlelight and guided more by instinct than sight, Laura layered emotion into the surface until the canvas became a vessel for memory, release, and transformation.

Acrylic forms the raw emotional foundation; oil paint deepens the shadows of grief; wax drips like suspended tears, holding time in place. Under UV illumination, hidden fragments ignite—threads of hope glowing as though touched by something beyond this world. When the artist finally stepped back, a luminous figure appeared within the layers, lifting her from darkness. It was a vision of grace, a confirmation of legacy, and the moment the painting became a portal.

This work is not decorative—it is devotional. It reflects a practice shaped by cycles of grief, mania, recovery, and revelation. Shattered: Held From Above transforms personal loss into a universal dialogue of resilience and divine connection, inviting viewers to feel the heavens above and the shadows below in their own lives. It stands as the blueprint of the series and the declaration at its core:

I am here. I am whole. I am held from above.

Shattered Artist statement: 

My work embodies a profound exploration of emotional landscapes through layered mixed media and sculptural relief. Each piece serves as a vessel for personal narratives, reflecting themes of resilience, grief, and transformation. I engage with the elemental nature of water, using it as a metaphor for the complexities of human experience—grief, healing, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Raised in both Ohio and New York, my practice is intuitive and ritualistic, often created by candlelight and guided by memory. Living with multiple disabilities, including ADHD, PTSD, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, I find strength in vulnerability. The interplay of vibrant colors and textures evokes a sense of movement and fluidity, inviting viewers to confront their own emotional tides.

The use of blacklight-reactive pigments adds an element of surprise, illuminating the transformative power of surrender. This duality mirrors the often-overlooked aspects of recovery and renewal, revealing hidden depths that encourage a dialogue between the seen and the unseen.

Influenced by personal experiences and the natural world, my work transcends mere representation, aiming to connect with viewers on a visceral level. Through this body of work, I not only honor my own experiences but also create a space for collective healing, reminding us that within the depths of sorrow lies the potential for rebirth and growth. Water is where we break—and where we begin again.

As an advocate for disabled and neurodivergent artists, I offer creative rituals and guides to help others reclaim their voice. My mantra, "I am here," encapsulates the essence of my practice, inviting others to witness what’s often unseen—emotional depth, spiritual presence, and the architecture of healing.