Laurie Waalkes

Artist Bio

Laurie Waalkes likes to say she arrived at her art career " through the side door". It’s true that her background in theater and a long career in public education formed a circuitous path, but her diverse training and experiences have shaped her unique artistic voice. She spent her summers attending painting workshops, never really leaving the creative life behind. From her early days earning awards in theater to her current botanical creations, Laurie’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in pursuing a creative calling, and her distinctive style and thematic influences invite viewers to engage with her work on a deeper level.

Laurie's childhood unfolded at the foot of stunning Pikes Peak. She could hike along mountain streams, ramble through fields filled with yucca, and learn all about the birds and trees. She brought in armloads of lilacs, enamored both with their dense blossoms and their heady fragrance. She played with snake grass and dandelions, making jewelry from their segments and stems. She flipped her grandmother's hollyhock blooms upside down and sent them off to ballrooms in their colorful gowns. Each of these plants, and many more, would later find their way onto her canvases.

As Laurie ventured into adulthood, her passion for artistic expression deepened. She finished her degree in Theatrical Design, and later, a master’s degree in Creative Arts in the classroom. She was dedicated to developing her elementary students’ expressive powers through art and poetry. One memorable lesson was based on the genius Matisse cutout “les bêtes de la mer,” emphasizing Matisse’s bold color choices that are now a hallmark of her own paintings. Another lesson, an exploration of Jackson Pollock’s work, prompted a supportive principal to remark, “If the custodian hates it, it's good teaching.”

She retired after 30 years in education, and immediately embarked on an eight-week art mentorship, an intensive that emphasized reflection and gratitude. “I realized what a privilege it was to grow up in the Rocky Mountains, and to raise my own children as fourth-generation Colorado natives.” She found herself in an intense period of flow and quickly developed a complete body of work in a voice of her own. Every brushstroke, every color choice, every composition was effortless, marking a season of creativity and inspiration.

Laurie Waalkes believes that art is a basic human impulse and a universal language. Laurie's daughter Rose, overcoming a brain malformation, has pursued her own passion and has become an artist in her own right. Similarly, her son Andy is actively pursuing his dreams, showcasing the resilience and determination that runs deep within the Waalkes family.

Artist Website

Artist Statement

I am a mixed-media artist. I create vibrant, multi-layered collages featuring plants and flowers in their natural habitats. Inspired by the plants of my childhood and the landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and Southwest, I hand-draw and paint each subject before carefully cutting them out and adhering them to a background of vintage ephemera such as playing cards, musical notation, and newspaper clippings.

What sets my work apart is the attention to detail and the hidden elements that invite viewers to take a closer look. Birds, music notes, and uplifting quotes can be found lurking beneath the surface, adding an extra layer of depth and intrigue to each piece. The inclusion of simple graphic designs like bold dots and stripes alongside the organic shapes of the plants creates a dynamic contrast that is both visually striking and thought-provoking.

My technique has evolved over time, moving from abstract compositions to more narrative-driven pieces that tell a story of my connection to nature and the places I have visited. Each piece is curated to reflect a sense of place, with the background elements contributing to the overall mood and atmosphere of the work.

One of my greatest challenges is the technical aspect of my art, as I sometimes spend hours cutting out intricate details with an XActo knife. However, this focused attention to detail is also what makes my work meditative and rewarding. I know that I have succeeded in a piece when the colors and subject harmonize seamlessly, and the background elements enhance the overall composition.

Looking to the future, I hope to create larger works and expand my state flower series to include all 50 states. I envision my art as a reflection of nature and our role as stewards of the environment. Overall, my art is a celebration of nature, nostalgia, and the simple joys of the outdoors. With each piece, I invite viewers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that can be found all around us.