CREATORS – Laura Moriarty

Name: Laura Moriarty

Which came first in your life, the science or the art?

Art came first. But I have always been inclined toward a scientific practice, which involves study, collecting, categorizing, experimenting, etc. Science is naturally part of my aesthetic, but aside from a keen interest, I have no formal science background.

Bight

Normal Faults

Which sciences relate to your art practice?

I take a great deal of poetic license with the earth sciences.

Landslide

Roil

What materials do you use to create your artworks?

I have been working almost exclusively with encaustic or pigmented beeswax for more than twenty years. I work with it in a molten state, often pouring it in layers. Temperature is important and the process of heating and cooling: both as it relates to my studio work and as it applies to our environment. It is indicative of the way I have come to draw parallels through my work between human time and geologic time.

Churches 1

Churches 2a

Churches 6

Artwork/Exhibition you are most proud of:

I published an artist’s book in 2012 that I remain very proud of, and really grateful for the all-around experience of making it happen. The book is called Table of Contents, and it is an artist’s book in the subtle guise of a geology textbook. It has essays by Dieter Roelstraete, Kate McCoy, Jamie Kruse & Elizabeth Ellsworth (aka smudge studio), and a great, smart design by Suzanne Giovanetti.

Gemspread, a fold-out feature in the section, ORIGINS & EVOLUTION

Which scientists and/or artists inspire and/or have influenced you?

So many! When I was a young artist, John Cage opened my imagination to the deep potential of process-driven work, and a lot of that original spark of excitement and inspiration has remained permanently with me. I think if I had to give credit to one important influence it would have to be writer, John McPhee.

Thufa 1

Thufa 4

Is there anything else you want to tell us?

I had my first solo museum show at the Aidron Duckworth Museum in beautiful New Hampshire.

Artist Links: Instagram

About the Author

Cat Lau

Cat is a former behavioural neuroscientist-turned-science communicator. She is passionate about integrating creative approaches in science communication and knowledge mobilization. For the past few years, Cat has held diverse roles as a science writer, amateur-artist, nomadic science outreach facilitator and knowledge translation coordinator. Her interest in art-based science communication inspired her research in Canadian organizations and programs that use interdisciplinary approaches to engage the public in the sciences. This led to her interest in the evaluation component of the Science-Artist Residency at Art the Science. Ultimately, she hopes to develop resources that will contribute to the growth of Canadian science-art culture. Twitter: @scicommcat