Ewing-based artist Laura Beard has immersed herself into the world of birds in her latest exhibit, “Plume,” at Artworks Trenton through Friday, June 6. Ranging from realistic to abstract, whimsical to fantastical, her artwork invites the audience to consider birds differently and reflect on their presence and influence on our human world. An opening reception takes place Friday, May 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.
“We’re delighted to showcase this body of work from an artist with whom we have a long-standing relationship,” said Addison Vincent, Artistic Director of Artworks Trenton. “Laura’s work never disappoints and her connection to nature is evident in all her works. We are glad to host this exhibition this spring and our hope is that patrons look at our avian friends differently after viewing this exhibition.”
Beard grew up in Kingston with her mother, writer and wordsmith Janet Beard; her father, computer programmer Michael Beard; and her five siblings. In a 2024 interview with U.S. 1, Beard explained that she was inspired to become an artist at a very young age after hearing a talk by children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola. “He told me that if I wanted to be an artist I needed to practice every day, and I have been sticking to that as faithfully as I can ever since,” she said at the time (U.S. 1, January 31, 2024).
Beard was homeschooled with her siblings, and as such formative experiences in her childhood included educational nature walks, learning about plants’ and animals’ varying habitats, as well as art class through the Arts Council of Princeton and various homeschooling groups.
That early connection to nature stuck with her as she began entering art shows as a teenager and forewent college in order to pursue a career as a freelance artist. “There is nothing that inspires me more than the natural world and the rich complexities of the lives that inhabit it,” Beard states on her website, laurabeardart.com. “I strive, with every piece, to convey the uniqueness of the subject and the unflinching beauty of our temporary existence.”
Her creative process involves working from a photograph or photocollage that she projects onto paper or canvas to create a starting outline for the painting. For her Artworks show, Beard is reflecting on the presence and influence of birds on the human world.
“Birds have been a constant presence in the lives of humans. I have assembled this collection of my paintings to highlight the depth of variation in the avian world and to suggest looking at birds from different perspectives to truly be able to appreciate all that they add to our world,” Beard says. “From the tiniest hummingbirds to the mighty emu, our relationship with birds is a blending of the mundane and the magical and I hope that the viewer will enjoy seeing them as much as I have enjoyed painting them.”
Plume, Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton. On view through June 6. Opening reception Friday, May 10 6 to 8 p.m. Free. www.artworkstrenton.org.
