Selected to feature in the latest Affordable Art Fair NYC Spring campaign, artist Laura Dargan told us all about her practice in our latest interview.
Represented by the Charleston-based contemporary art gallery, Miller Gallery, we’re delighted that Laura Dargan’s colorful abstract work is featured in the latest Affordable Art Fair NYC Spring campaign. The fair, which takes place March 26 – 29 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, has exhibited Laura’s work since the gallery first joined the fair in 2018 – and we’ve been fans ever since!
Laura’s work explores the interaction between unexpected color combinations and irregular shapes. She states that her goal is to create “visual energy”, which is clear from her playful use of form and joyful colors on canvas. Each viewer is left to interpret and connect with the paintings on their own terms, she states; “My work embodies the very idea that art is subjective.”
We caught-up with the self-taught talent to find out more:
Surreal! Also, pretty great. But most of all I feel honored. What the Affordable Art Fair is doing for the arts and artists is truly fantastic and to be a part of it, especially on this level, is nothing short of amazing and I am grateful.
The journey began with me not knowing that being an artist was an option. I loved drawing and painting growing up, but it was never something I thought could be a profession. It wasn’t until after college and a series of unfulfilling jobs that I realized that I was missing something. I decided to try my hand at painting again and never looked back.
I think the journey is the most important part to being an artist. Taking the time to learn from others, practicing every day, making mistakes and learning from them, and experiencing life are all things that I consider part of the journey and they have become essential to my overall practice.
There’s a feeling of freedom that comes with being self-taught. I’m not restricted by formal training which allows for a different level of experimentation. As a result, the evolution of each new body of work is more dramatic. It’s a rebirth.
I’m really into contemporary realism and sculpture right now. There is so much amazing and unique contemporary work out there, specifically within these genres, with bold, outside of the box ideas and concepts. I admire that.
I tend to work in chunks of time from about 7am to 4pm which allows me to be flexible with my day. Also, I have a home studio so even if I’m working into the evening I can be with my husband and dog and still be productive.
On top of painting full time, I work at a gallery, so my creative mind never really turns off. I also really enjoy interior design. I’m always rearranging our house and art collection.
Stay true to yourself and your art. It’s easy to get distracted and lose sight of your own direction. Especially now with social media. Having art at your fingertips is great for inspiration and education but it’s important to not get bogged down with what others are doing and focus on your own voice.
We couldn’t agree more! If you would like to see Laura’s work in person, join us for Affordable Art Fair NYC (March 26 – 29, Metropolitan Pavilion) where the campaign artwork, plus 1000s more await you under one roof. Follow the link below to purchase a ticket, and why not sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear all the exciting news announcements for the upcoming fair.
Main Image:
Lara Dargan’s artwork as a part of the Affordable Art Fair NYC spring 2020 campaign.
Featured art from first to last:
Laura Dargan, represented by Miller Gallery.
Laura Dargan, Align, 2019, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 in., $3,200, Miller Gallery, Stand B1.
Laura Dargan in her studio space.
The Affordable Art Fair NYC spring 2020 campaign.