Calling all cowgirls! Laura Tate is the newest artist on our roster, and her collection of Western-inspired paintings is truly something special, BUT it won't be released into our collection until tomorrow at 12 pm. We can't hardly wait to pass the time until her work is live. How about we make Laura's introduction? Laura Tate was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she grew up painting and taking art classes. After graduating from Auburn University in 2010 with a Bachelors degree in Apparel Merchandising, she moved back to North Carolina and reconnected with her creative side. Her work is inspired by color and the people in her life. The western flare reflects her visits to Colorado, where her sister lives. The collage elements originate from collecting old photographs and magazines for years. Laura is passionate about giving new life and meaning to something old! From painting old-found photos to collaging them into western boots, she lets her heart take the lead. We're saddled up and ready for tomorrow, and we hope y'all are too!
What is currently on your nightstand?
Water and a hair clip!
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
At the moment I would have to say Ashley Longshore. I just love her “I don’t give an F” attitude. Seeing and watching her work reminds me of hoe fun art and creating is supposed to be.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I had a great childhood with amazing and supportive parents.My most memorable moment would have to be always having my sister around - I’m an identical twin so I don't have any memories with out her!
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Supply or medium? I would have to say if I could only have one medium for the rest of my art career, it would have to be oil pastel crayons. I usually always add these to any painting of mine for vibrancy and texture!
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My bedroom. It is a beige dream with very minimal color- unlike my paintings! I guess its just a safe place to rest and turn my brain off.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
Reputation matters. I know that If I’m buying from a carefully curated collective, I am in good hands! New to buying original art: I would have to say buy what you like. The artist name and recognition shouldn’t be the first thing on the list, It should be what moves you and speaks to you. After all, YOU have to be able to live with it.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is awesome. Every floor is like walking through a piece of his brain.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Park Hyatt in Tokyo, Japan. You feel like you’re the only guest there in the best way! Not in the “Shining” / scary way!
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Pink- my grandmother always wore pink lipstick and it reminds me of her.
I can never get on a plane without….
A snack and water. Calories don’t count on airplanes!
How did you get into the world of art?
I have no idea- I guess I feel like its always been a part of me.
What do you do to relax?
Watch Bravo and Law and Order SVU
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Looking at old photographs or vintage magazines I have collected over the years.
Prediction for the Color of 2026?
I’m always so wrong about this! A version of orange, maybe?
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Early drinks at a wine bar, then dinner, then in bed by 9:30 PM
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
I have two- they are two faces where the acrylic markers bled and I thought they were ruined. But once they dried, I was in love with the effect! One is in my breakfast room and the other is in my studio watching me paint everyday.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Go with your gut! And with colors that make you happy!
