"The Serious Whimsy of Laura Connaughton”
The University Club of Winter Park
February 10 - 27, 2013
Passing the terra cotta
fountains and neatly trimmed gardens of The University Club of Winter Park, one
has the feeling of entering another time and place, as if traveling back to a
time of elegance in the tropics. As the French doors swing open into the main
salon, you are transported to the world of Laura M. Connaughton. This is a
world reminiscent of Rousseau and Kahlo, yet mixed with the magic of OZ. This
is “The Serious Whimsy of Laura Connaughton,” February 10 through 27.
Connaughton has created
a body of work that is curiously engaging and well crafted, and at the same
time, humorous and fanciful. It is often said that primates are the closest
relative to man, and Connaughton has captured a deep sense of feeling and
humanity in her paintings. These, however, are not your run-of-the-mill
monkeys. Indeed, they seem to capture a universal sensitivity that is,,,well,,,
human-like. The playful mind of the artist toys with the viewer, and upon
closer inspection, one realizes that these are winged monkeys... her tribute to
the magic of OZ.
The fun continues in
“Ode to Frida,” a self-portrait that is a tongue-in-cheek visual ode to Frida
Kahlo; “Exotic Treat,” highlights the artist’s skill while transporting the
viewer to possibly Old Havana; and, the entire family of strangely familiar
characters round out a delightful exhibition.
Someone once told me
that the truest review occurs on your way home in the car. Hemingway, Amelia
Earhart, Raffles, leather and tropics, adventure and old world charm...these are
the icons that came to mind. While these paintings, rich in imagery from an
expert hand, evoke a sense of exoticism, the subjects themselves will
certainly find a place in your heart.
“The Serious Whimsy of
Laura Connaughton” is exactly that: thoughtful fun.
Laura Connaughton Fine
Art & Design
studio: 321-226-8725
by Fern Matthews
Fern Mathews is a mixed media artist
recognized for her textural work and use of color. Matthews’ work is included
in both public and private art collections throughout the country and The
Caribbean, and shows in New York and New Orleans.
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