Laura Steels Hitchcock

Bio:

I live on a 100-acre farm on Scotch Mountain in Meaford and am passionate about the environment. I work as a professional gardener when not in my studio. I am self taught and work in both pen and ink, and coloured pencil. My animal and plant portraits are a way to highlight the value of flora and fauna and why it is important to preserve their habitats.

Below are some examples of my work. Click on the image to see the full image:

I am inspired by:

My Mother is an Artist. As a child I watched her create amazing paintings. She continually pushed herself to try new mediums and subjects. Our work is very different from each other, but I hope to emulate her drive to always step out of my comfort zone and to continue to grow as an artist. Thanks Mom.

The most exciting thing I have done:

Just before Covid shut the world down, I helped lead a group of teenagers on a trip to Galapagos. As an animal artist it was incredible to see the diversity and abundance of wildlife and flora. Sharing this wonder with the teenagers I was traveling with, opened my eyes to how the next generation sees the world and their concern for its safety.

purpose of art:

The initial purpose of art is to get an idea or impression out of your head and into a form others can react to and interpret. It is the start of a conversation. A body of work by an artist takes the thoughts further and fills in more details. It is more of a speech than a thought.