About Laura Wilde

After reading other bio's, I have nothing of the Betty Page and Julie Ward Howe history. I do , however, think that there are some road marks that flag some personal successes that I hope to pass on to others through teaching and art. 

I grew up in Southern California, and have never left. People complain about it, but I love it here. At sixteen I married and dropped out of school. I took the GED and went to work. Intermittently, I took college classes, but at twenty four, I had four children, and it was tough. I couldn't really go to college until my mid thirties. 

I took a drawing class at night after work. This is when I fell in love with art. I devoted as much time as I could, learning technique and concept. From drawing, to painting, I blasted into mixed media including ceramic sculpture and assemblage. I learned how to oil paint, and I had the fortunate experience to live with Norwegian painter Odd Nerdrum on his farm. Both artists, my husband and I arrived shortly before Christmas of 2008 and stayed until February of 2009. The holidays were magical. Odd gave me brushes for Christmas. I learned the old master techniques, spoke of concept, and learned the type of dedication it takes to be an artist. 

My marriage met its unfortunate end at 28.4 years. I continued on with my studies and received my BA  from California State University in 2015, and continued my studies at Claremont Graduate University, receiving my MFA in 2017. 

Art is my passion. It gives me a way to connect to other people. I don't agree with a lot of the art market hoopla. Art is for everyone.   Ultimately I would like to have a gallery where I can practice my art and teach others, giving back to the community.