Art is my therapy
Interview with London based artist Laura Grinberga
Laura Grinberga is a self-taught, third-generation female artist from Latvia, currently based in London. Growing up in a family of artists - with a mother who is a professional painter and a grandmother who was an amateur painter and sculptor - Laura was immersed in art from an early age. Her experiences living in nine countries have significantly enriched her understanding of social dynamics and influenced her artistic practice.
Since beginning her journey as a visual artist in 2009 in Milan, Italy, Laura has integrated social-cultural anthropology into her work, examining language, traditions, and behaviour. These explorations are presented through the lens of being a woman and a female artist navigating the challenges of a predominantly male-dominated sphere.
Laura is the founder of WAC (Women Artists Club), a UK-based organisation that supports professional female artists through networking, critiques, as a support group and community events. Her art is featured in private and corporate collections worldwide, reflecting her commitment to creativity and cultural exploration.
Now that Laura’s solo show Part I, Me, Soul, has opened in Notting Hill, the art lovers are warmly welcomed to view her creations throughout Frieze London week.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! This is a classic, but icebreaker question.
As a visual artist, I consider myself extremely fortunate to be the third generation of female artists in my family. I have been surrounded by art my entire life, and I cannot imagine my life without it. Though there have been experiments in other industries, I am now fully absorbed in the art, and I am based in London.
Being third generation, it goes without saying that you have always been exposed to art. However, in an environment where there are many sources of inspiration, it may occasionally be difficult to stay true to who you are. How did you determine your own artistic direction and style?
I like to claim that my life is preceded by my work. My inner voice exists, and I pay attention to it and always value the advice it gives me. I can also notice the indicators when I need to keep going! For instance, I knew as a child and teenager that I would become an artist, but I had no idea when would that be. I simply kept on with my life and then I moved to Italy where I was no longer in my home country. At that moment, I came to the realisation that I could no longer simply visit galleries and museums and absorb art through institutional settings. At that point, an inner voice began to tell me that I needed to start practicing painting on my own, find my position in the art world, and establish my own style. I felt strongly that I ought to begin creating art. Somewhere in the recesses of my subconsciousness, there seemed to be a voice telling me to start with something, anything at all. Every day I was bothered how to begin and what steps to take towards my artistic career. I spent a few years experimenting and exploring a wide range of techniques. I am still today excited about this journey.
What supports your creative discoveries?
I enjoy diversity and many cultures, individuals, viewpoints, and customs that exist. We all have different needs, but we all have similar ones, which is why I am passionate about anthropology. I consider myself fortunate to have lived among numerous nationalities and encountered a wide range of mentalities. I am constantly searching for the commonalities among all of our lives, our cultures, and our nations. It is my sincere desire for people to learn as much as they can about themselves, and I believe that art may illuminate these aspects of self-awareness. I am a fun and a believer of the phrase ‘know thyself’.
How about faith? Does religion play a significant part in your artwork and serve as a source of inspiration for you when you create?
What is visible is 1%, while the remaining 99% is the spiritual and not visible to the unaided eye. In my artwork, this invisible portion is actually the most significant idea. It covers spirituality, history, philosophy, and psychology. In my opinion, spirituality is the most significant aspect of life, and each person approaches spirituality differently. I do not think religiously; instead, I think very spiritually because, in my opinion, religion labels things, and I do not want to think that way. The doors remain open because of spirituality.
Your key takeaway is to use your personal experiences to discover who you are. The purpose of your artwork is to inspire people and help them explore their thoughts and feelings on a deeper level. Is this accurate?
Yes, I really hope that my artwork is reaching out and touching you and anyone who is looking at it. When I look at the work of other artists, I particularly like the pieces of art that speak to me deeply and personally. Most of the time, it occurs abruptly and without warning. It is the instant when a certain piece of art makes me feel different; if it makes me feel as though my soul has been fulfilled, then for me that artwork is truly brilliant.
What inspires you personally?
Nature is the first thing. My conviction is that all the answers to our questions may be found in nature; all we have to do is investigate closely. I find tranquillity and calmness, as well as renewal and restoration, in nature. Secondly, people and their stories inspire me. People who are driven by their passions, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or professional experience, who have overcome difficulties and changed their destinies. I enjoy observing humans! I love to see how people exhibit their ability to make a decision before conclusions about events in their lives, regardless of the circumstances. I am most inspired by cycles, patterns and changes. Funny enough, I always get ideas when I am driving or cycling or just strolling down the street!
What distinguishes you from other contemporary artists, in your opinion?
Everything in the world has already been done and is already saturated, but I am content with who I am, and I never stop learning new things. I genuinely hope that people can connect with my artwork in their own language, and that these exchanges between the viewer and my artwork are meaningful.
You identify as a feminist, and I am aware of your strong advocacy for women’s rights. Please share your feminist’s perspective.
Being discriminated among people is something I detest greatly. Women’s equality is not the only issue, speak of various racial groups or diverse human qualities also has significance. Everyone is entitled to the freedom to live their life as they see fit because we are all created equal. To be honest, as a woman, I am still learning about myself. Curiously, I recently found out that the first thirty-eight greatest artists are men. Something has to change right away! Why more women’s names should not be listed among the greatest artist names is beyond me. Unfortunately, women’s professional development often takes a different turn after starting a family. This is because men tend to advance professionally while women take a backseat and focus on raising their families. In these situations, the woman who is earning less often loses out on opportunities for professional artist career.
After being in Milan for many years, you have since moved to London in 2020. Regarding gender roles in the art scene, have you seen any differences between these two cities? Italy, as everyone knows, is still a very patriarchal nation.
Italy is a conservative nation, but during the pandemic years, there has been a significant change and awareness about gender and racial equality. Milan is expanding, which pleases me, and it certainly has a lot of potential. According to my personal experience, being a foreigner, young and attractive woman led be labelled and unfair judgements against me. Considering that I was employed in the fashion sector at the time, I was called “just a model”. Even if I had a proper artist’s portfolio, Italians did not consider me to be a professional artist. I have never felt that way in London! Therefore, I had to choose the next place where I could advance my artistic development. Whatever is your gender, race, age, or professional experience, London has something to offer to everyone. It is liberal, accepting, and open-minded! Though I am glad to be in London, I still love Italy and enjoy visiting this beautiful country.
Do you think of the art as a healing process?
Yes, I have come to realisation that art is my therapy. It has preceded my life many times, and it is my teacher and also my healer. But that said, I would hope that others might find somewhat therapeutic aspect in it too, in the physical-metaphysical balance for my works floating by the move of the wind or a passerby. That is giving you the aspect of nature, and the longer you keep looking at work the more you understand; yourself. And that is what I am after. And that is what I hope people can have as well. It is a slow process, it is a work of introspection, contemplation and revelation. To look at the known and the seen from a different to you personally perspective.
Now is the time for your solo show, which you have titled Part I Me, Soul. It indicates that a Part II will be included and that your show is intended to be a continual kind of self-introduction to the audience. Regarding these events in your life, how do you feel?
In Me, Soul I unveil a deeply personal collection of works that articulate the pure expressions of my personal essence through paint. Each piece serves as an intimate reflection of my inner world, wrought with fearless vulnerability. The muted blues and soft, cloud-like forms evoke a luminous sense of openness, capturing the quintessence of spirit as I allow the medium to flow in an organic dialogue. This exhibition transcends mere display; it embodies myself. The pieces, suspended from the ceiling and liberated from rigid structures, sway gently in the air, mirroring my quest for peace and clarity. A lot of my artwork moves in the direction of peace and invites reflection on the material and spiritual worlds. Part I is a very intimate solo show. I have used mixed media, collage, charcoal, acrylic, and pigments, often painting on unprimed and unstretched canvas for expressing myself in the deepest and most sensitive ways. I am also very thankful for the venue for Me, Soul in Notting Hill. It is a historic space with towering windows that flood the room with natural light. The building’s aged charm, with its high ceilings and open layout, provides complementing background for artworks. Me, Soul to be seen by art lovers worldwide during Frieze London week is an incredible opportunity. In addition, a Part II will follow for deeper explorations of my works.
