Build Community Through Storytelling in France

By laura / March 2, 2022 / Comments Off on Build Community Through Storytelling in France

I’m in France so I can build community through storytelling. It may have taken me longer than most to find my true passions, but once I began searching, I realized I was doing them all along.  One of my passions is to build community through storytelling.  A powerful moment happens when you realize you’re doing…

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Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency

By laura / February 24, 2022 / Comments Off on Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency

Chateau Orquevaux is located in the heart of the French countryside. The majority of my stay will be at Chateau Orquevaux, which is located in the Champaign region of France.  After nearly four hours of driving from Charles de Gaulle, I pull up to the chateau just in time to attend the champaign reception.  This…

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Charles de Gaulle International Airport

By laura / February 22, 2022 / Comments Off on Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Mid-morning fog welcomed me to Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France. After exiting the aircraft, I follow my fellow passengers to baggage claim.  Next, I follow the signs which direct me toward my rental car.  Hopefully I wasn’t tricked into any unnecessary upgrades due to the language barrier.  The language barrier is real…

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California Artist Helen Steele

By laura / February 17, 2022 / Comments Off on California Artist Helen Steele

California Artist Helen Steele came into my life for a reason. Sometimes people come into our lives for reasons unknown at the time.  I met California artist, Helen Steele just a few short weeks ago during our artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux.  Although I knew her for only a brief moment in time, Helen impacted…

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International Travel Through France

By laura / February 15, 2022 / Comments Off on International Travel Through France

International travel looks different than it used to. Luckily, it’s not that different.  International travel requirements seem to change on a daily basis so it’s important for me to focus elsewhere.  My travel journal is a documentation of my personal experiences through the French countryside and beyond. My parents hug me good-bye after we pull…

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Leica M6 35mm Film Camera

By laura / December 22, 2021 / Comments Off on Leica M6 35mm Film Camera

German engineering attracted me to Leica and convinced me to buy a Leica M6. My Leica M6 never disappoints.  This 35mm rangefinder film camera helps me get back to the basics of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. My goal as an artist is to teach you how to see.…

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Wisconsin Artist Ken Voigt

By laura / July 21, 2021 / Comments Off on Wisconsin Artist Ken Voigt

This is the story of how Ken Voigt of Freedom Ink became a Wisconsin artist. Decades ago, Ken was working with a local printer when he was exposed to a degreasing solvent.  This exposure caused damage to his central nervous system resulting in tremors.  After rounds of various medications, Ken experienced memory lose resembling amnesia. …

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Elkhart Lake Wisconsin Vacation

By laura / July 14, 2021 / Comments Off on Elkhart Lake Wisconsin Vacation

I was a wanderer long before there was a hashtag for it.  Today, I wander around Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. I’m fascinated with American resort towns gone quiet.  There’s more to Elkhart Lake than the hustle and bustle of their busy season.  This is what Elkhart Lake looks like when it goes to sleep.  The streets…

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Progress Not Perfection

By laura / June 10, 2021 /
Pregnant Self Portrait Laura Schneider

Progress not perfection, it’s my mantra. Not only for this year, but every year moving forward. 2017 was a life-changing year for me.  Once I realized that my plan wasn’t going as planned, I let go of all the plans.  God had a bigger plan for my life.  This process isn’t easy, but we must…

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Artist Residency At Trout Museum of Art

By laura / April 21, 2021 / Comments Off on Artist Residency At Trout Museum of Art

The artist residency at the Trout Museum of Art is forcing me into action. Now that I’m halfway through the artist residency, I can see how far I’ve come.  Not only in the last six weeks, but in the last two decades of life as an artist. TMA’s artist residency is forcing me out of…

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