Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Naples.
Hi Laura, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember, first through drawing and writing, then dance and design. Those early practices gave me a love for form, rhythm, and line. I studied Visual Communication at Ohio University and started my career in graphic design and calligraphy.
Around 2013, I felt a pull toward more fluid, intuitive expression, and painting became my focus. My method now blends movement, meditation, and inquiry in a process that feels like an ongoing conversation with the unseen. Nature and handmade objects are constant sources of wonder for me. What started as private exploration gradually opened into sharing through Instagram, exhibitions, residencies, and commissions. Each step has deepened my view of art as a space for connection and contemplation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth—but meaningful. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to trust the intangible parts of my process, to co-create with something larger than myself. There’ve been times when the work felt unclear or didn’t meet my expectations, and letting go of control (on the canvas and in life) has taken patience and vulnerability.
Another aspect that has been tricky is balancing creative flow with life’s other roles: parenting, home, part-time work, and running a studio. Making space for process has required boundaries and self-compassion. But those tensions have shaped the work in ways I wouldn’t trade. They’ve taught me to embrace imperfection and trust that all the layers belong.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create abstract paintings that explore wonder, connection, and presence through a meditative and physical process. I apply diluted acrylics, lime paints, and earth pigments on canvas and paper in layered washes to introduce texture and form. I then pick up the canvas or paper and let gravity move the paint, observing and responding with control or surrender as it arranges itself into gradients. Sometimes, I’ll incorporate pencil or charcoal linework to highlight points of connection.
My background in calligraphy, dance, and design shows up in the way I approach movement and mark-making. I’m especially interested in probing the tension of opposition through gestural abstraction.
I’m proud that the work lives in both private homes and public spaces, and has been part of exhibitions and design publications. But what means the most is when someone tells me that a painting gave them a sense of peace, pause, or inspiration to explore their own creativity.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Pathway from To Be Magnetic (app) – a daily practice of self-hypnotic meditations and focused workshops that assist with untangling blocks, and a design process that helps align actions with my desires and values.
‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin – This book is a source of truth and support for so many creators. My favorite way to read it is to blindly open to any page and absorb the message that is there. I keep a copy at the studio and one at home.
‘In Her Own Right’ by Chelsea Madeline – a book that explores, in poetic prose, how we are conditioned to perceive that to “carve space” for creative work is selfish or indulgent. Yet the truth is that when we activate and share our creative natures, we are being courageous, and generous.
Love Letters with Stacy George (Substack) – Stacy is a dear friend and one of the wisest people I’ve met. Her Substack covers mindset, math, and matriarchy in a loving, humorous, and no-nonsense voice that is powerfully perspective-shifting.
Morning Pages – a daily 3-page writing practice I learned from writer Julia Cameron. Her books ‘The Artist’s Way’ and ‘The Listening Path’ have helped me notice the protective part of me that wants to self-censor, and understand my creative and spiritual inclinations.
Instagram – I’ve met and collaborated with countless other artists, designers, and creative professionals on Instagram. I’ve learned that when I use it intentionally, social media can be an invaluable tool for communication and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauranaplesstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranaples.studio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-naples-23061532
