Laura Zerebeski

I grew up in a pulp mill town in BC's interior and loved to paint as a kid. My art teachers were often exasperated because I wanted to go by instinct, which I guess means I am mostly self-taught. However, becoming a starving artist scared me: after growing up in the 80's recession, I craved stability and opted for a BA at the University of British Columbia. I still painted, and my poor roommates had to put with a lot of somewhat gothic subject matter over the years. With every new painting I put up, they'd tactfully suggest that I should get some fresh air and sunshine. Painting was my way of working out frustration at a world I couldn't control.

After UBC, I embarked on a 15-year corporate career, painting sporadically and eventually rarely between various systems projects. Along the way, I met my husband, we had a son, and I started painting again. This time I focused on local subjects, things I knew. I was inspired by the everyday stuff, because sometimes there are days when the ordinary becomes absolutely beautiful due to whatever effects of light or season or one's own mood.

My paintings have elements of distortion and vivid colors to create a whimsical, cheerful view of the world. I've learned that you can't control the world but you can interpret it, and I like to emphasize the color and character and electricity of life. There is so much joy and motion around us and my hope is that those who appreciate my paintings get a jolt of familiarity.

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