Laura Benjamin

A work of art should arouse one's senses on a multitude of levels. In my own work I primarily hope to excite the viewer through humor, color and rhythm. I have worked in both acrylics and mixed media on canvas.The focus of my art has always been on the commonplace and visual familiarity of my subjects. What is significant is the portrayal of underlying humor, whimsy and curiosity that the subject evokes.

I have been both an artist and art educator for over 50 years. I earned graduate degrees in Fine Arts, Art Education and Textile Design. While teaching, I also freelanced as a textile designer. In the 1990's, when technology was on the rise, I received a grant that allowed me, as an art educator, to give students and teachers an introduction to the world of computer graphics. I was awarded for a successful practice in "crossing the digital divide between art and technology" by the United States Department of Education.

The part of me that became a digital artist was very inspired by the use of the computer as an art tool. I could manipulate my subject as well as its color and energy. The fine artist in me was then able to incorporate these concepts into a new image on my canvas.

Throughout these five decades I have felt mo...

Bachelor’s degree in fine arts rom American University

Master's Degree in Art Education from NYU

Associates degree in Textile Design at FIT

Studied at the New School in NYC, computer technology

Studied at the Art Student’s League, NYC

Multiple across the country

Also in many private collections