Newmarket artist, Laura Higgins, has been creating vibrant acrylic paintings for over twenty years. She attempts to infuse ordinary moments and scenes with meaning and beauty through light, colour, composition and a hint of magic realism. Laura exhibits regularly in solo and group shows in Toronto and York Region and has won awards for her paintings in juried shows. Many private collections in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom feature her work, including commissioned pieces.


Artist's Statement

At first it may seem that my painting subjects don’t have a lot in common with one another. I rarely, if ever, paint the same subject twice. However, there is an underlying theme of hope and gratitude that connects these diverse images.

Many paintings are visual metaphors that illustrate a reminder, a lesson or a revelation that I want to focus on. Although only some of my images are literally figurative, there is nearly always a human element to my subject. The fiddleheads symbolize inner potential for spiritual growth. “Rising” bean plants look to me like people beginning to stand again, having been buried in sadness. The wooden stairs encourage me to climb. A path appears for me to walk towards hope.

These paintings show how I want to see the world, see others, see myself. They magnify my small lens of optimism and make that hope more visually concrete and palpable. Creating and surrounding my self with these images reminds me of the sacredness of life and engages me in a spirit of thanksgiving.