Laura Beaton

I am a Toronto born international award winning visual fine artist whose art is a fusion of aspects and styles from Sumi-e, Chinese Brush Painting and western mixed media. I create works that are representative of the differences and similarities among cultures.

My roots are in Scottish bagpipes and English high tea. Introduced to the Chinese culture at a young age, my creative curiosity was propelled by the Chinese Brush Painting on an antique tea wagon.

When I transform inks and rice papers into art, I depict an imaginary world of zen and relaxation that say ‘I Am Canadian!”.

The colours and art techniques of Chinese Brush Painting fuel my imagination and they continue to be my inspiration as I relish a life-long journey of mastering this art form - while simultaneously honouring its many technical rules.

Through my use of mixed media acrylics I am able to convey zen-like abstract thoughts and ideas that impact my creativity. Often, they reflect situations with complex implications.

Painting in these two mediums enriches the other.

My intent is to provide that ‘aha’ moment for a viewer. It can simply be a relaxing vibe or, ‘I’ve never thought of it, that way, until now’.  In constant wonder of the intersectionality of cultures, I maintain the role of a “quiet activist”.

Now, more than ever I am able to use my art to intersect and ultimately interconnect cultures, races, and people with varying differences thereby promoting peaceful dialogue. This interconnection provides the opportunities for enrichment on all levels, personally and artistically.

Recent accolades include an Excellence Awards from the International Chinese Calligraphy & Ink Painting Society  (ICCPS) in Tokyo, Japan and multiple honorariums.

My work featuring ‘Conversations with Elders’ celebrating Asian Heritage Month 2022, was exhibited at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and an abstract titled Birth of an Inner Warrior is in the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Portraits of Resilience digital show with the original at Toronto’s Queen’s Park, Legislative Assembly for the Government of Ontario. My work has been showcased during interviews including TheGreenline.to, Focus Mandarin, and OMNI TV. Recent exhibitions include the Contact Scotiabank Photography & Visual Fine Art Festival, and its subsequent travel to The Niagara Gallery, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Current representation by The Gallery on the Pond, Fogo Island, NL.

My works transcend cultures and have been called ethereal, soothing, surreal and mysterious. They are in permanent and private collections in Africa, China, France, Mexico, USA and Canada.