Kim Laurel

Personal work includes: painting, printmaking, collage and mixed media works

Artist's statement: My work investigates symbolic forms and shapes. I utilize Icons and totems with engaging sociological significance. Primal experiences, nature and personal identity for example, so basic to our understanding of existence, are symbolized in this private world. Contemporary cultural icons are used to enhance or countermand the associations of the figurative images and symbols, emphasizing the dichotomy between physical self survival and spiritual isolation. 

Utilizing printmaking and collage as an extension of drawing and painting, I have found that in the realm of two dimensional expression that mixed media collage is the most authentic and subjective tool to express my voice.

For me Art is about persistence, a life study and discipline. It is part of my life. If you pursue it a lot or a little at any one time makes no difference...just return to it again and again. Let the presence of touch back into your life and embrace the new with reference to all that you have learned.

Studied: Oberlin College; Cleveland Institute of Art;
Cleveland State University, Bachelors Degree in Art; Illinois State University, Masters Degree in Art.

Exhibited in the United States, Canada and England since 1977
b. mid 20th century
Member: Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Chicago, Illinois

2023
• Small Print Show 2023, Workshop Print Gallery, C.P.C., Chicago, IL.
• Inspired by Warhol, Elmhurst Artists Guild, Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, IL.
• Scapes, Jackson Junge Gallery, Chicago, IL.
• Windows of Perception, Austin-Irving Library, Chicago, IL.
• Absurdity: In DADA We Trust, The Art Center, Highland Park, IL.
• Robert Kameczura: Cirlce of Friends, Water Street Studios,
Batavia, IL.
• Chicago Printmakers Collaborative EXPO Booth 407, EXPO Chicago Navy Pier, Chicago, IL.
• Verdant: A Survey of Five Nature Artists, North Shore Art League, Winnetka, IL.
• CAVA Inspired Stories, Dwell Studios, Chicago, IL.
• Angels and Demons, Stola Contemporary Art Gallery, Chicago, IL.
• In View: Members/Faculty Show, The Art Center, Highland Park, IL.

2022
• Small Print Show 2022, Workshop Print Gallery, C.P.C., Chicago, IL.
• Small But Mighty 2, Curators Gone Rogue-Pop Up, Addington Gallery, Chicago IL.
• EAG Winter Members Exhibition 2022, Elmhurst Artists Guild,
Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, IL.
• Small Works Members Exhibition, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL.
• The Box Show: Thoughts from Inside the Box, August House Gallery, Chicago, IL.
• Generations 30 Year Show, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL.
• The Bird House Show, Augu...