Ziggy Attias Artist Residency Founder

By laura / April 20, 2022 / Comments Off on Ziggy Attias Artist Residency Founder

I’m passionate about building community through storytelling. Connections emerge each time I sit down to listen and share someone’s story. Storytelling through photography and the written word fulfills my lifelong desire to create work that matters.  Ziggy Attias is the founder of the Chateau Orquevaux artist residency; therefore, I had the privilege of hearing his…

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Champagne Region of France Inspires Me

By laura / March 23, 2022 / Comments Off on Champagne Region of France Inspires Me

The Champagne region of France offers beauty all around. I begin my morning by wandering around the Eglise Saint André Church in Orquevaux, which is located in the Champagne region of France.  A genuine smile greets me at the front door as the French language quietly lingers in the air.  I only hope to understand…

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Latin American Artist Otto Hernandez

By laura / March 15, 2022 / Comments Off on Latin American Artist Otto Hernandez

I’m passionate about building community through storytelling. Connections emerge each time I sit down to listen and share someone’s story.  Storytelling through photography and the written word fulfills my lifelong desire to create work that matters. Meet Latin American artist, Otto Hernandez… Otto Hernandez was born and raised in San Salvador, the capital of El…

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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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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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Solo Travel Through France

By laura / February 8, 2022 / Comments Off on Solo Travel Through France

My solo travel adventures through France begin today. Chateau Orquevaux is the final destination for today, but a lot will happen between then and now. It’s important for me to begin this travel journal with a grateful heart.  This solo travel experience wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of my incredible family,…

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Mundane Days Inspire Photography Project

By laura / January 26, 2022 / Comments Off on Mundane Days Inspire Photography Project

Always carrying my camera results in capturing inspiration when it hits. Art can be created anytime and anywhere even on the most mundane days.  When I’m in the present moment, I notice subtleties overlooked by the casual observer. This is what I love most about creativity, it hits when you least expect it.  I thrive…

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Abstract Paintings By Midwest Artist

By laura / December 29, 2021 / Comments Off on Abstract Paintings By Midwest Artist

The process starts with abstract paintings. After fifteen years, I dust off my paints and brushes.  It feels natural to paint again.  With a minimal palette, I layer and blend oil paint into abstract paintings. Ironically, inspiration for my paintings comes from photography produced in the darkroom.  My creative process cycles through my favorite mediums,…

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