Laura Neussle
Bio
I was born loving nature and all its creatures. I was raised on a small dairy farm in Michigan, playing in the beautiful creeks and forests with my horse, dog, and all the other various animals on the farm. My surroundings were my inspiration to be an artist. I have no one favorite medium, from mud pies to pastels! My abilities are mostly self taught with the help of my friends! I’ve found my own unique way to express myself with many different mediums. I supported myself in the early years as a leathersmith, then moved on to oils, charcoal, pastel pet portraiture, and broken pottery and handmade clay tile mosaics. My recent focus has been on clay animal sculpture and clay whistles that show my whimsical side.
Describe your art/craft (medium, process, etc).
My current artistic passions are clay sculpture, broken pottery mosaics that I apply to tile and rocks, pastel portraits of dogs and cats, and the the occasional oil painting, and always my gardens!
What drives you to make your art/craft?
I am inspired by the beauty of the natural world we see everyday. Art should mean something personal to you. A moment in time that touches you, a story in your life.
Who or what are your greatest influences?
Nature and people that are creative and unrestrained by conventional thinking.
How does living in Tennessee influence and inspire your art?
I moved here in 1977 from Michigan. I had been supporting myself as a leathersmith there. When I moved to Tennessee I about starved. I am so happy to see that there is much more appreciation for the arts now. I was drawn to the hills and valleys of Tennessee back when you could drink water from springs in the hillside, when some roads were still creek beds, I was wild in the untouched hills of Tennessee. It’s easy to be inspired when you can breathe free.
Beyond your art/craft, what are your other interests?
I have always loved gardening (I’m a master gardener) and horses. They go together so well!
Anything else you want to share?
Always examine truth from both sides and see the beauty in the world, especially in the small things.
