Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Olson.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In November 2022, I found myself in a season of the most profound grief I had ever experienced. After a 6 month long battle for answers on why my son’s health deteriorated overnight, he was diagnosed with a chronic illness called, PANS/PANDAS. Our lives were completely turned upside down, and I was desperate for a way to process the intensity of grief I was facing with so many unknowns ahead. I picked up a paintbrush in the midst of my heartache, and for the first time — something miraculous happened. I had an ability to paint that I had never had before! From that moment on, my life changed forever. Painting became my voice, a way to process pain I could not express in words, and a source of hope in the darkest of times. With each brushstroke the hope, pain, fear, and gratitude began to pour out of the deepest parts of my soul. I began to heal.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think with any new career there are always challenges that come up. But overall it’s been a fairly smooth journey, and such a huge blessing. I learn something new all the time, and I hope that’s always the case. The struggles are what keep us motivated to pour more of ourselves into something we love- and to keep working harder create something unmatchable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in moody acrylic fine art. The moody-aesthetic color palette of my paintings is inspired by my upbringing in Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country region. The inspiration from the moody gray skies, puffy white clouds, rolling vineyards, and mighty evergreens will always flow through my paint brush. My pieces echo how faith can alchemize sorrow into beauty, capturing resilience, hope, and the quiet miracles that emerge even in life’s darkest seasons.
What sets me apart is the fact that I could never ever paint until that day in November 2022. I actually have a brother who went to art school and my entire life, I envied his artistic abilities to draw, paint, and sculpt. I tried so many times to be artistic like him and it never made sense to me. It still blows my mind that God gave me this gift to paint. It’s something I never want to take for granted.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am drawn to things that evoke deep emotion.
Whether it be joy, sorrow, grief, or peace. I am inspired by being in nature, by worship music, sermons and podcasts about overcoming struggles.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.j.olsondesigns?igsh=bmMyeTRjbzN2czQw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/100091320692077/?ref=permalink&mibextid=6ojiHh
