Inspired Design with Purpose
About Laura...her artistic side
About Laura...her artistic side
A principal in the award-winning architectural firm of Penza Bailey Architects, Laura has always enjoyed pursuing artistic projects beyond her architectural work. A lifelong collector of handcrafted jewelry, functional ceramics and many other forms of art, her appreciation of craftsmanship inspired her to learn about artistic media she loves.
Through an exploration of various artistic techniques, most recently ceramic and metalsmithing, she continues to develop an expression of her own artistic voice. Her artwork is inspired by the geometry of architecture and nature and her love of texture and colors.
Giving back to communities has been an important part of Laura’s life, and she is grateful to be able to support non-profit and professional organizations by sharing her architectural expertise and her artistic creations to help fulfill important community missions.
Artistic Statement
My artistic work is an expression of my love of architecture, and my passion for hand-crafted art for everyday use. Inspired by the geometry of Architecture and Nature, I enjoy combining different materials and textures in my artwork - and color adds joy.
Architecture is the tangible result of thoughtfully connected materials, resulting in functional spaces that bring shelter, efficiency and even smiles. Art is very much the same - form follows function at a much smaller scale.
Miscellaneous Art Education
AaHaa School for the Arts,
Telluride, CO
Silver Ring Basics
The Artist Corner, Baltimore, MD
Stained Glass
Cincinnati Art Museum, OH
Spitzmiller Art Studio, Cincinnati, OH
Baltimore Clayworks
Since 2009, I've enjoyed learning about many different techniques from wonderful instructors:
Kyle Butler
Deborah Bedwell
Patty Bilbro
Amy Carnahan
Jim Dugan
Peggy Fowler
Yoshi Fuji
Tim Sherman
Gary Slavinsky
Pamela Theis
Education
University of Cincinnati,
Design, Art, Architecture and Planning (DAAP)
Cincinnati Ohio
Bachelor of Architecture, 1982
Six Year Co-Operative Program
Architectural Registration,
Maryland, 1985
LEED Accredited Professional, 2009
Summit Country Day High School
Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduated 1976
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Foundations Painting I, II
Oil Painting, Watercolor
Advanced Lighting Applications
Bruce Dunlop, Glenn Shrum
Lighting Applications
Bruce Dunlop
Intro. to Lighting Applications
Glenn Shrum
MICA Jewelry Certification
2013, Summer Introductory
April Woods
Baltimore Jewelry Center
2020
Industrial Color, Elliot Keeley
2019
Production, Jenn Parnell
2018
Precious Metal Clay, Erica Bello
Materials Refresh, April Wood
2017
Raw Stone Settings, Jenn Parnell
Radical Jewelry Makeover, April Wood
Granulation, Beth Pohlman
2016
Repetition, Beth Pohlman
Professional Development Workshop, Heidi Lowe
Color Applications, Jenn Parnell
2015
Introductory, Beth Pohlman
Professional Development, Rachel Timmins
3D Enameling, Jenn Parnell
Cold Connections, Kirsten Rook
Anodizing, Shana Kroiz
2014
Introduction, Earrings, April Wood
Die Forms, Shana Kroiz