Our time there was a treasure, the beautiful flower that can never be plucked, only admired, something that we will always have in our minds. We plan to go back for another exhibition, and,  a poetry reading for us both.

Since coming back from Lisbon, I've entered a period of intense creativity. I wrote forty poems this summer, two essays, and completed new paintings and 3 new sketchbooks. I've also been bombarded with good news. In the Spring of 2012, my second book of poetry, will be published by Ara Pacis Press of Illinois, and Wind Publications will bring out another book, The White Ibis, next summer. I've learned if I work hard enough, and dream big enough, I can make what I want to happen.

Opening September 2nd is my debut one-person show in Louisville. This show is called The Face of Abstraction. I've invited two artists to show with me whose work I admire very much. Bob Lockhart will display abstract ceramic sculptures, and Paul Lorenz, from Paducah, Kentucky, will join us in showing some of his non-objective paintings. Bob is a member of Pyro Gallery and is a master of form and skill. Both his sculpture and 2-Dimensional Work are visionary and relentless; he is  always exhibiting with such passion and powerful mastery, complete authority of his art. I have admired Paul's work for many, many years. He was one of the first artists to exhibit at the Florence Biennale, and won first place in painting. He has been a real trend-setter and admirer for younger artists. For me to exhibit with this great artist is a dream come true for me. To exhibit with both of them...it will be a magical night, and, a Dream Come True.

Abstraction is alot like Faith, even though its not tangible, you know its there, like God. I want to express the self to the self. Some could call it an extreme strain of Romanticism. One must have belief in the validity of inner experience, its authenticity is considered more true and more real than objective fact and experience. I paint in exhilaration of an adventure, over depths in which I might find reflected in the true image of my identity.

Meaning in abstract painting could also be compared with the mysterious, secret language by certain twins, who understand each other perfectly, but close out from comprehension everyone else. I have a twin brother named Joe. We can pretty much read each other's minds and block the rest of the world out when we want to.

I wish to express myself fully, impulsively, and without acknowledging a particular audience. I encourage you to have a willingness to experience my paintings, whether or not you have a sophisticated art background does not matter.

You will respond fully if you are open to the process--this will ensure your own personal journey with ART. This will give you a sense of personal fulfillment. This is what the making of art, and the viewing of it, is all about. Your own personal experience, how it will change you and challenge you.

This is the only basis in which I can succeed, staying in the process I will create an honest art, a sincere form of expression. After my show, this fall, I'm going to be very busy creating a new body of work for my debut in New York City next year, @ Ceres Gallery. I'm also studying Spanish and Portuguese art.

Life is such an amazing journey! I stay positive and full of life---so I can be very creative and productive. Life is short! Live it up! And how blessed and grateful I am to be able to express my experience/vision, and share it with you!Come see the show @ Pyro Gallery in Louisville, opening September 2nd, from 5-9 pm.

Laura Eklund

August 18, 2011

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New Exhibitions:

Laura Eklund, Bob Lockhart, & Paul Lorenze : The Face of Abstraction. September, 2011- October, 2011.

One Person Show Colorida Art Gallery Lisbon, Portugal. Opening reception May 27th, 2011. Come meet me in Portugal next year!!

Ancient Places Aquasparta Kamaver Kunthaus International Group Exhibition opening June 27th, 2010 Aquasparta, Italy.

One-Person show by Laura Eklund. Frary Gallery. Sarasota, FL. come to the artist's reception (I will be there!) http://www.frarygallery.com Opening on Thursday April 8, 2010

The 2010 Art Institute of Pittsburgh Faculty Show. Opening Reception March 12, 2010. (I will be there!)

"Little Treasures" International Curated Exhibition, Bologna, Italy. Galleria De' Marchi, June 2010.

New Paintings by Laura Eklund and Chris Mozier. Pyro Gallery, http://www.pyrogallery.com Louisville, Ky. September 2010.

"Red Is the Color of Blood." International Group Show. Emerging and Expert Gallery. Maharashtra, India. February 24th, 2010- March 13th 2010.

New Paintings by Laura Eklund. The Artist's Alley. San Fransisco, California.

February 15st -May 15st, 2010  http://www.theartistsalley.com

The Fiji Biennale, The Fiji Islands, June 2010.

Beck Center for the Arts Cleveland, Ohio.  32 paintings by Laura Eklund.

2009 Florence Biennial, Fortezza da Bazo, Florence, Italy, December 5-13, 2009.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Faculty Show: Juried. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February-March 2009     opening artist's reception: February 13, 2009

Art Raw Gallery, International Emerging Artist's Show, NY, NY. Feb-March 2009.

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