Member of the Month – Kamloops Arts Council
Full Name: Laura Anne Passarello
Medium: Digital, acrylic, enamel
How long have you been doing your art: Since I was old enough to hold a crayon.
What got you originally interested in the art you do: My mom is a fine artist. She went to Banff School of Fine Arts and she taught art lessons as well as gave private classes. So, I was always interested in art, I guess. I don’t remember there ever being a “aha!” moment. But at some point, I started taking an interest in the use of typography. I created a lot of menus, newspaper layouts and signs. When other little girls were drawing ponies I was laying out the next issue of the Times. I also love painting, and I remember when my mom said I could paint whatever I wanted on my bedroom walls. I was about 12. So, it got covered in blue sky, clouds, butterflies and a big rainbow. I love painting big. So, maybe that was when I realized how much I really love painting, and by the time I was 16 I was painting windows for retail businesses in Cranbrook, BC, where I grew up. Before I started art school in 1991.
What is something you have learned about yourself through your art: I have learned that it’s ok to make mistakes and that a mistake isn’t always a mistake. It’s a study in things that work and don’t work. haha
What do you enjoy the most about your art: The thing I enjoy most about my art is the time that I spend creating it.
What is your favourite joke/quote: “Telling a joke is a very serious thing” ~ Winston Churchill
What is something most people don’t know about you: I can tend to be a bit of a cynic these days. Perhaps it comes with age and experience.
What do you think makes art important: Not sure about “art” in of itself being important, but being able to express oneself in a way other than words, and in a broader spectrum than language, seems important. Being able to see a play or movie, or see a painting or sculpture that has a point to convey can hold a much more powerful message than someone just saying “powerful message”
Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council: Initially, I joined because I was excited to have moved to Kamloops and I wanted to engage with other artists, but now I think I join to be in the directory on the Arts Council website. I’ve gotten quite a bit of work that way.
What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year (A special show or project you’re working on): I looking forward to maybe a vacation. I’ve never been on one. I’d to see all of Europe. But I’d settle for a week in Mexico.