Artist Statement

Laura Murphy For over ten years Laura has been consciously creating, professionally exhibiting and selling her work in California, Arizona, and Oklahoma. She has experience in collaborative work with adults, children, and with outdoor and indoor murals. Her artistic goals include creating beauty while being of service, sharing ideas and inspiration, facilitating a safe studio for healing and growth, and participating in creative communities. Laura has shown her work at:

SOBO Gallery, Tulsa Oklahoma, 1999
Shoestring Gallery. Prescott, Arizona, 2001
Gold Award Recipient, Tulsa Community College, 2002
Art show curator and participant, Living Arts of Tulsa 2004
Brainwash, San Francisco, California, 2006
Sabor Y Cultura, Los Angles, California, 2008
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, Los Angles, California, 2009
Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic Silent Auction Benefit
Day Dream Republic, Los Angeles, California, 2009
Psychobabble, Los Angeles, California, 2010

Laura’s work is generally abstract and often expresses sacred geometry, figurative studies and interpretations of human anatomy, relationships, animal symbols, prayers and positive affirmations. Through these expressions she sets intentions for her life and the world. Working from a mixed media approach, incorporating collage and found objects, three dimensional designs, painting and more allows her the creative space she needs to convey messages of world peace, appreciation of Mother Nature, discovery of authenticity and self worth, idealism and spirituality.

"Divine Paradox"

My very newest piece, finished last night, 9/13/09 is a mobile made of found objects from Nature in my neighborhood and Griffith Park. I have incorporated seed pods painted with affirmations written on them and the Smudge Sticks are a bundled variety of sage plants from Ojai, CA.

"A Visit By An Ancient One"

This is one of my newest pieces, finished 9/1/09. It is an image of an ancient Hindu God called Ganesha. Ganesha is known as the God of fire, success, knowledge, wealth, wisdom, and as the destroyer of obstacles, all evils, vanity, selfishness. He shines the light and forges the way on the eternal path for humanity.

I am honored he came through the creative ether's to be in this painting, as I did not plan to paint him. I am reminded again and again that as the artist I am a channel for a creative entity to birth through. It is a humbling and beautiful experience in which I am very grateful to participate in.

I knew very little, and still do, about Ganesha but what I have learned affirms that I am on my journey moving through obstacles of all kinds, trying to be humble, to open up to learning new things, to give and receive compassion, and to invite success into my life. When I am ready to learn, to move to the next level, the teachers I need always appear. Thank you Ganesha for appearing in my art.

"How joyful to look upon the Awakened and to keep company with the wise.

Follow the shining ones, the wise, the awakened, the loving, for they know how to work and forbear. But if you cannot find friend or master to go with you, travel on alone...like a king who has given away his Kingdom, like an elephant in the forest."

From the Dhammapada

Sayings of the Buddha

Please Check Out My Web Site

www.conscious-creativity.com

Not you Average Art Class!!!

Conscious Creativity:
Inspiring Art Classes where the Studio Comes to You
Instructor: Laura Murphy

Sessions begin with five minutes of simple Yoga stretches, five minutes of meditation, and five to ten minutes of journal writing and reflection. Music making is optional.

Six work-shops available:
Acrylic Painting from Emotion: painting emotions, experiences, memories, dreams, and developing expressive symbols on paper and canvas
Life, Perspective Experimentation and Abstract Drawing: still life, copying photographs, and drawing from imagination with graphite, charcoal, oil and chalk pastels on paper
Collage, Textiles, and Mobiles: transfer techniques using cut-outs from magazines, photos, sketches, textiles, and 3-D objects on wood board; mobiles will be made with found natural treasures and other materials
Mixed Media Approach: an expressive, adventurous mixture of materials from all workshops
Murals: designing and painting indoor or outdoor murals
Goddess Adoration: a special spin on creativity and expression through body temple adornment and sensation. This work shop is relaxing, healing, unifying, includes a creative project and is perfect for female rights of passages and other special occasions.

Class Fees: $35 per person, per class, and the fifth person is free. This is a base fee and includes all materials and light refreshments. Extra supplies costs, extended classes, and travel expenses beyond the LA Metro area will be added. Murals are $105.00 per person for nine hours of instruction (this price is equal to a regular three week class).
An hourly fee of $30.00 will be added if project exceeds nine hours.

Introduction to Conscious Creating with Laura: 1- three hour session
Regular Class: 3 – three hour sessions for three weeks

Recommended group size is 4-5 or more. I teach children, youth, adults, senior citizens, families, and at home schools, after school programs, recreation centers, senior citizen assisted living homes, and more.

Creative References:
Chris Torres (323)241-2181
Jamie Stokes (808)982-8891
Dodie McGere (503)550-5767
Rashaan Cruzé info@rashaancruze.com

Contact Laura:
Lauras.creation@gmail.com
(323)663-3824

Web Site:

www.conscious-creativity.com

Seed Pod Mobiles...Let Peace Begin With Me

This is my World Peace project...ambitious, not really, just conscious creativity. I paint and write messages on these natural treasures and give them to others to spread love and joy one pod at a time. This really works to improve my life as well, for my personal wealth grows as I am able to share what I have with others. I encourage others to utilize this idea or any variation of it because there is an abundance of free supplies out there falling from the trees and they make lovely, unique gifts. The people I give the pods to read the message and feel good. I am told often that they are sitting on a desk or shelf to be seen over and over and the pods serve as a reminder to value love, self, the Earth, and more. That can make a difference in some one's life. The smallest bit of love and kindness plants a seed that has the ability to turn into a beautiful garden, field, grove, and even forest over time.

The seed pods in the circle are from a Jacaranda tree and the others I am not sure, but they're all over my neighborhood! This piece is a mobile I made for my friend's birthday...it was especially made for a very special person.

"Divine Mother Avocado Tree" August, 2009

This piece is a painting of a burned up tree in Griffith Park and is dedicated to the Divine Mother, Mother Nature, the spirit of life which infinitely perseveres moment by moment. Divine Mother, forever rooted and grounded in truth, beauty, and eternity stands tall and strong in faith and devotion to life. Her children, all beings, are a reflection of her made in her image and we may look to her for strength and inspiration. As I move through the changes that inevitably happen in my life I trust Divine Mother to guide, protect, and embrace me with love. Graciously I learn from her to be courageous as I walk through the fires and I stand in unwavering faith today. I know without doubt that I will make it through, for the only way through is through.

8/6/09..."You can take the girl out of the freight train but not the freight train out of the girl". by Josh Parish

"Pure Heart"

"Pure Heart" is a commissioned collaborative mural/collage by Chris Torres and me. The design is Chris' self portrait full of magical symbols and conscious intention setting. The black angel with a pure white heart is a captivating image which is a reflection of Chris and of the inherent dichotomies in himself and the world. We designed this piece based on his angel, natural elements, the Universe, and God's love. Through discussion and sketches one month prior to the actual painting. Chris built the mural, frame, and even the easel that held the giant painting. August 27 and 28, 2009, one symbol, one colour scheme at a time, we liberated this beautiful creation from the creative ether's of the soul and imagination and it resides in his home forevermore. "Pure Heart" is nine feet long and four feet tall, the largest painting I have ever been blessed to work on!

Thank you Chris Torres for your creative contributions to the world of art and conscious creativity and for allowing me to participate in this collaboration!!!

Thank you Faleena Hopkins for this photogragh!!!

"Dina" Finished 7/21/09

This Painting is Powerful!

I had no idea she, "Dina", wanted to be painted when I began smearing paint on the canvas. I find the process of creating art to be one of magic and mystery. The subject matter can be planned or not, but there is almost always a surprise element that wants, must, will shine through. In my work there is always a message from A Higher Power that I am channeling. I don't take the credit for my work, besides that I am willing to create it and to ask for Divine Inspiration, because I know without doubt that I am a medium, like the paint and canvas, to convey a Real entity, a Living message. Thought becomes form through me and I was manifested for exactly that purpose, to carry the message. We all have a purpose and it is our journey in Life to find out what that is.

Thought becomes form every day and we're responsible for it. As we take responsibility we learn that life isn't just happening to us or around us. We learn we are powerful artists creating in the flow. The fact that we manifest, whether we're conscious of our ability to do so or not, is always occurring starting with our thoughts and conscious thinking simply means that we know it is real, that we are creating. Our world, the Universe, Solar Eclipses, love, Nature, all Life, everything began as a manifestation of the Creator and then became form as a result. A skyscraper starts as an idea, a thought, then becomes form, a blue print, and then step by step a towering edifice. Creation is a direct and Divine reflection of the Creator, just as my painting is a reflection of me and where I am at in my life. Our realities correspond to our Identity. One aspect of myself I identify with more and more is that my art creates healing for myself and others.

Concerning "Dina", I was not conscious of her form wanting to be displayed, but I was conscious of newly learned lessons I find to be inspiring. Through art I am compelled to tell the story of my personal ascension towards enlightenment and self love, to create and express beauty and gratitude . "I am worthy of more than Mediocre Love, Are you?", "No longer trapped in an illusion of self", and the image of a bird flying free from a self created cage that was actually not a cage, but a boxed in way of thinking and living. I no longer have the need to trap myself so that I may learn I am and was born free! I am learning that my life, my relationships, my career, all of the details from daily encounters are my manifestations rooting in my Self Worth or lack of in some instances. If and when I give myself mediocre love that is what I tell the world I expect and am worth.

This recognition is a gift given to me, channels through me as a gift to others and is likened to the Image I am unconscious of when beginning a new piece, yet am guided to create on some subconscious level. That is the Grace of the Creator in action and I do not have to know the why's and how's of Life's paradoxes and mysteries as they occur to follow Good Orderly Direction. I create from this space, from a place of worth, from expecting and claiming that I will only accept love of the Highest degree in my life from myself and everyone. I claim that right here and now with full knowledge and Faith that I deserve this kind of love and that these conscious thoughts are in fact becoming form.

I am filled with gratitude for my life and all that has happened, is happening, for being an artist, and for the gifts of loving transformation. It is also a gift to acknowledge that part of me, my Higher Self, who is developing and doing the foot work, growing stronger every day. Being an artist is being a creator and I see so clearly NOW how I am "made in the image" of my creator and what responsibilities come with this knowledge.

I titled this piece, "Dina" because the woman and her dog remind me of my dear friend and it turns out, not coincidentally, that the colours, vibrancy, and ideas expressed tell part of her story of healing transformation too. I know that this painting expresses the stories of many and that is another reason why art is so amazing.

Summer Time and the Living is Easy

My recent manifestations of a claimed art career are working as I have mural work, sold a piece, and have finished two new pieces. My work really needs a place to hang and be seen. I am searching for venues, galleries, and even businesses. I think it is really smart for businesses to show local art work and I plan to take full advantage of these opportunities that are coming to me. Who knows where my work will end up but I know it will be the right places because I am creating that right now. I realize that I have to make the work, I am the artist, the why's and the how's will be revealed to me as I go and I am much too productive to waste time worrying :). I stay focused, enjoy myself, relish in gratitude for making a living doing what I love while working from my studio, and I take my work one step at a time. I am growing more and more confident and excited about my life and my vocation as my Higher Purpose is becoming crystal clear and my goals attainable.
Thanks for your support!

More New Creations

These four pieces are my latest work.

New Creations

Mural Projects in San Francisco

I 2005/2006 I participated as a volunteer in a couple mural projects in San Francisco's Mission District. I became interested in the mural art because it is one of the coolest most beautiful attributes of the neighborhood. Murals within the streets and alleys attract artists and admirers from all over the world. It truly is a magical creative place full of culture, vibrant colours and history. Once involved as a mural tour guide with Precita Eyes, the leading creative organization of the Mission, I became acquainted with Laura Campos. She and others at Precita Eyes were my first mentors who taught me to take art to the streets and alleys, to the community. They showed me how I could make a difference by organizing and collaborating with people of different backgrounds to create masterpieces using the city as the canvas. Our work, and the work of those amazing artists before us have affected the Mission and the world in such profound, positive, beautiful ways and have sent a message of devotion to a Higher Purpose and to Peace and equality for all. My experience living in the Mission and volunteering opened my eyes and heart to the vocation which calls me still, years later, which is Public Art and Urban Planning; working with groups to bring creativity, love, light, respect, tolerance, compassion, activism, and so much more to our local neighborhoods and the world on a broader scale.

There are many other beautiful murals in Horace Alley besides the photos on this page. These are only the murals I participated in.

These Photos were taken at the site of the Horace Alley Mural Project. This location was chosen because Laura Campos and other neighbors were frustrated with crime and believed their efforts to make change could restore some safety by replacing desolation with beauty that would and did attract neighbors and passers-bye to frequent the alley. The more paintings went up, the more people walked by, said hello and thank you, and the less trashy and seedy the alley was. She and other neighbors chipped in money to purchase paint and supplies and they began to change their reality. Groups such as the "I Have A Dream Foundation", an after school program for young girls painted their version of a popular view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and a California Red Wood. One neighbor allowed Gerome Spruill, author of "Chocolate City", also an autistic artist from the organization, "Creative Growth", to paint the characters from his stories on his warehouse. I was blessed to participate in Gerome's Project, the young ladies' projects, and Laura and I painted a colourful, spiritual piece about unity and social tolerance as well.

I am very proud of this work, learned a great deal, and enjoyed it tremendously!
Thank you Laura and Precita Eyes for what you shared with me and for shining a light to my path and life's work!!!

My photography is dispersed throughout this page

My Art

My work

The Self Realized Artist's Affirmations

I am an Artist. I do make a living with my creative pieces. I am really living today, not simply surviving, but forging ahead in each moment with an understanding that everything I have known and lived through has made me stronger, more compassionate, and ready for this new moment and the possibilities with in it. An artist must be very courageous. She must live in faith, for unlocking the doors of the mysteries of emotion and memory, the past, dreams of the future, by diving into herself with the hopes of coming out of the dark personal abyss Alive must be her reason for Being. She can never look backwards on her journey, for the past no longer exists. She may look forward but the future has not happened and it is holding on to dear life by a thread to what magic is alive in this moment which is a gift called the present. An artist is a reflection of God, of a Higher Power, energy, or Life Force. This Force creates an entire universe within a split second when thought and feeling collide with matter and an explosion of colour, of various shapes and forms recreate the world as a new reflection. I am a wealthy woman. Wealthy women are able to share themselves for they thrive in abundance. Payment for an artist is the growth, no amount of money or fame will give her the approval and recognition she desires and needs, although a means for livelihood is important. The artist must find approval within herself, must consult the committee in her mind or tell them to fuck off which ever is necessary, she must KNOW that she is The Creator, must let go of the fear of being too small and insignificant to affect the world in a positive and beautiful way. She must know that she is accomplished in her work for she has walked through her own darkness and from that emerged into the light with a self portrait in hand, a hungry belly, and authenticity. Artist's shine a light for the world and pave a road for truth seekers.
I am employed, although I look for a job in a society of failed economies and greedy money grubbers, for I am at work at my Life's Purpose. There is no failure, no mistakes, no judgement or condemnation, and like some of the most interesting and beautiful art in the world, seemingly mistakes make the piece unique, make the piece come a live in a way that is unplanned. I am learning that God is in the uncertainties.

Angels in the City Of Angels

This city is rough, spread out, impoverished, desolate, and even harsh and violent...
yet I find it to be one of the more eccentric and lovely places rich in cultural diversity, Nature, Art and creative expression all over the place, and full of some of the most humble amazing people. My life in LA has been a pretty short, yet hard road, but is the road of Self Realization and my growing awareness of Divine Love and Compassion. I have so much to learn and even in this fast paced city...I am in no hurry.