with laura
an interview by kate white
Laura Jane Kemper is a current Sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences and this month’s featured cover artist. Kemper’s work transports the viewer into a world of striking color—a space which is, itself, a reflection of her own brightly colored, free spirit. I recently sat down with Laura to ask her about her artistic process and influences.
What is your artistic process typically like?
My process is different each time, but I typically start with pictures of animals or people, then I warp the image using whatever medium I feel like using. I would describe my process as “go with the flow.” I really enjoy mixing mediums like acrylic, watercolor, pastels. I often utilize oil paint as well. Layering oil paint creates interesting textures. I used to only make pieces in a grayscale. However, I started to use bold colors in my AP art class in high school and found it quite fun.
Which artists inspire you?
Surrealist photographer Dora Maar and illustrator Aya Takano.
What does your work aim to say?
Honestly, my work does not aim to convey a profound message. For me, art is a form of de-stressing. It provides an outlet to experiment and play. I create art to relax.
What is the story behind “Moon Rabbit”—the cover art for the November issue?
Well, I originally created it for my application to the Rhode Island School of Design. The source material comes from Chinese mythology—the story of Chang’e. The story follows Chang’e, the Chinese goddess of the moon, who steals an elixir of immortality from her husband. Once she is caught by her husband for stealing, she escapes to the moon.
