Erin Laughlin

My first commissioned piece of art was a painting of a marmot in the Vail, CO mountain landscape. Without knowing the receiver’s story, I knew that it represented a meaningful moment. This piece was a real struggle at first. How can I make a marmot into a beautiful painting?? I was focused on my own ideals for a painting subject, and my fears of painting something that wasn’t good enough.

The painting forced the question – what is my bigger purpose for doing art? How can I serve with this gift?

Art is what the marmot brought. The receiver told me that the piece was the most meaningful that he owned, and that it allowed him to connect to an emotional place that brought him to his highest, best state. When I finally learned the story behind the marmot, I was incredibly touched by this magical moment represented by the painting.

I gained a purpose from the challenge and from the experience of the buyer.

My mission statement is to paint from a place where I can serve others – when I paint from that place, it in turn elicits a beautiful emotion from the viewer. I hope to thank you for allowing me to do that for you : )

With gratitude