ARTIST INTERVIEW: Laura Kazlauskiene
The artist Laura Kazlauskiene at her studio known as Punk Gallery.
Les Couleurs Miami Beach Interviews Laura Kazlauskiene: A Punk with Pink Feathers. A punk with pink feathers - this is how one could describe the style and art of Laura Kazlauskiene, one of the most popular artists in Kaunas. The Punk Gallery has become her second name, while an exclusive and unmistakable style defines her third. Laura's works are meant for spaces inhabited by brave and creative individuals, whether it be a minimalist flat or a trendy nightclub. The most crucial element lies in the perspective and worldview of the individuals inhabiting those spaces. Laura's primary message to her audience is to "liberate your mind."
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Hello, Laura. Thank you for taking the time to give us this interview. Let's start with an easy question - where are you from?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: Thank you for having me. I was born here in Kaunas, but not in the city center. I grew up near Kaunas, in Palemonas, close to the lake. I was a wild soul, always without shoes, riding bicycles, and enjoying the outdoors after school. I wasn't a city girl. It's amazing that I grew up like this.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: But now you're like a city girl, right? You want to experience everything in life?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I've experienced life in the countryside. My husband wants to move to the countryside now, but I don't want to. I'm a city woman now, and I enjoy living in the Old Town. Sometimes it's good to be outside the city, but not for living. I want to do a lot of things, and to do that, I need to be in the heart of the city. Nature inspires me a lot, especially for my paintings. I believe my art will be amazing after my Kilimanjaro trip. But I like to live in the Old Town.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Are you a full-time painter?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: Yes, I am. I don't have any other jobs. I'm always creating something. Currently, I'm working on a photography project, but I will paint on it. I'm always surrounded by colors, making something for the world.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: When did you create your first painting?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I can't recall exactly, but let me tell you a story. When I was in school, I was preparing for my art exams. I painted a large piece of paper. One morning, my mom came to me and showed me a piece of that paper. She said, "Look, this is good." And I was amazed. It was real. I can show you that painting; it's framed and hangs at my mom's house. It depicts half a face in shadow, and it wasn't planned. It felt like a miracle. It's my mom's favorite. I remember this picture from my childhood.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Do you remember how old you were then?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I was around 14 years old. So, in my mom's and aunt's homes, you can find many of my early paintings.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: When was your first professional painting?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I think it was when I was finishing school and had to do an exam. The painting I created for the exam was displayed at the city hall. But when I went back after three years to retrieve it for my mom, they told me it had disappeared. It was insane. Someone took that painting to their home.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: What did you study?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I initially studied Fashion Design but quit and pursued a degree in Art History and Criticism instead.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Do you think it's important to study painting, or do you feel it's not necessary?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: In my case, I don't think it's necessary for my style and my world. I have a lot of knowledge due to private lessons in my childhood, and I seek different paths. I don't want to follow strict rules in an academy. However, I may consider studying painting in the future for the sake of quality and if I find the time, perhaps in Italy or elsewhere.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Which artistic styles have influenced your work?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I've always loved Picasso and surrealism, although I don't paint in that style. I used to paint with dark colors. I don't have one main style; I seek inspiration every day.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Have you exhibited your work outside of Lithuania?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: Not yet, but I have plans to work in Dubai within a few years. Until now, I've had two exhibitions here in Kaunas, Lithuania.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Where do you find your inspiration? Is it solely from nature?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: Inspiration can be found everywhere: in music, films, friends, and every little detail. Even now, I'm looking at a metal bar, and it inspires me. Every single thing can be a source of inspiration at any moment. It's important to look around and find magic everywhere. I believe in magic, and that might be the key to my creative process.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: How did your love for art develop?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: Maybe I was born with it. My grandmother and her sister were both writers and painters, so perhaps it's in our roots. I'm not sure. My mom isn't an artist, but she has an artistic soul. In my family, I am the only artist, but my grandmother's sister used to paint the walls of her own home.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Your paintings are unique, not only due to your distinct style but also the materials you use. I particularly love that you use natural linen for your canvases. How did you come up with that idea?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I'm always searching and thinking about what different materials would look like with my art, something darker and more elegant. I tried using linen, and it turned out to be a great choice.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: How long did it take for you to develop your own style? Now, if I see one of your paintings, I can recognize it as yours.
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: It took about five years for my current style to develop. Before that, it was slightly different. Even if you look at my paintings from my first exhibition, you'll notice a change.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: What has been the happiest moment of your artistic career so far?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: One of the happiest moments was when all the flower bouquets sold out at my exhibition. People were buying flowers because of the event, and it was a wonderful feeling. Also, I recently had a pleasant experience of organizing a painting session on the beach in Palanga.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: What do you enjoy about your work?
LAURA KAZLAUSKIENE: I enjoy everything, from the shopping for materials to the colors I use. Currently, I'm excited about buying some art supplies in Berlin. Every detail matters to me, from the process of creating a painting to where it will be displayed. I also consider the person and the place I'm painting for.
NOTE: Please feel free to explore more about the artist and view her stunning works by visiting her on INSTAGRAM.
