Breaking All the Rules: An Artist Profile

In true abstract art tradition, Laura Willig’s journey began with breaking the rules.

Photo courtesy of Laura Willig

The San Angelo native studied art at TCU during the late aughts. The curriculum focused mainly on traditional oil painting, something the young aspiring artist sometimes chaffed at.

“After graduation in 2011, I started experimenting with acrylic on plywood and sort of broke all the rules [by pulling] out my tape and ruler,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Laura Willig

The result was incredibly precise and colorful — like nothing she had produced before. She does give some credit to her formal education, though, noting that TCU gave her a “great understanding” of Color Theory and composition. Another benefit of her four years in Fort Worth was the people she met before returning to San Angelo.

“I didn’t realize how beneficial some of the connections I had made in college were until I began looking to show my works,” she said.

She has certainly put those connections to good use showing several times in the Fort Worth area, including Fort Works Art’s recent 40 under 40 show and a solo exhibition at Art7 Gallery in early 2017.

Photo courtesy of Laura Willig

The future is bright for Willig; she plans to continue pushing the boundaries of her art with an exciting new project that incorporates natural elements into the resin she uses on her pieces. Inspired by her love of cooking and the nature surrounding her home, she says she has started using items like dried lavender, sesame seeds, and chili powder in her work.

You can view and purchase Laura’s works through the Madeworthy Marketplace. This article is part of a monthly series of artist profiles made possible through a partnership between Tanglewood Moms and the artist-led nonprofit, Art Tooth.