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Laura Ahola-Young is an Associate Professor of Art at Idaho State University. Her mixed media works explore the intersections of scientific research, the environment and culture.
Published on May 6th, 2021. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What hurdles have you overcome this year and how have they affected your art practice?
As an Art Professor- I had to transition all of my classes online and this took a considerable amount of time - time that would have been in the studio. Once I was set up, I actually had more time than normal for my studio practice. I lost a family member to cancer this year. I was part of her care and hospice team. This took an emotional toll. She was also an artist. Other hurdles include an ongoing battle with migraines. I have changed a lot of things in my life and believe this year I was able to control them considerably! I think being able to adapt to new situations is something that comes easy to me. It is also something I have learned to do by painting. Many times paint has a mind of its own and I need to remember to be open to that. As long as I can paint I seem to hold the pieces of my life together.
How has your art practice been affected by the pandemic?
I am a natural introvert. The time alone to reflect on my work, read and gather information was tremendously useful. I almost thrived in the alone time. I also worried a ton- about friends, family and students. The political climate on top of the pandemic has caused many of us, including me, a certain level of anxiety and I believe that anxiety naturally became part of the work. My work is becoming more political because of the pandemic. As I am just starting a new series of works, I am thinking about the chemistry of particles in the air and breathing. I am uncertain how I am going to represent my response to the pandemic, I certainly think the act of breathing will be a topic of some new work. I have always been fascinated by how things spread, and how things can take over- from a virus to moss.
What support systems have you put in place to help keep your practice thriving amidst these unforeseeable circumstances?
I cannot think of anything that I have done differently to provided a support system for my practice. I have spent a great amount of time outside. My garden may have been my largest resource for support. I spent more time in my garden than I ever have before. I took out some frustrations by digging in new beds and starting seeds. I also started hiking and exercising more. The practice of engaging with nature helps me focus my studio time. I am a large consumer of the news and podcasts. In the studio I would alternate my listening so that a podcast can help me focus on positive things as the news was and is so overwhelming. Good music is always good medicine in the studio as well. The contemplative, quiet time I have had has been good for me and the practice of painting. I am ready for change though!
What methods do you employ to stay resilient in your art practice? What tips would you recommend to other artists who find staying resilient difficult?
This is such a good question. I always work on multiple pieces at a time so that one never takes over my thoughts and practice. One painting going wrong can really ruin my productivity. I have learned to put it down and work on other pieces. I match my mood- sometimes I want to do detail work, or color...it is good to switch it up. I read a lot and try to be an active learner. I find do much of the world fascinating. I collect science books and do my best to negotiate through them. I really believe that being an active learner helps me be an active painter. If I am not able to get to the studio I start to not be "ok". I need the quiet practice to stay grounded. I am not easily pulled away fro working. Resilience comes from doing the work itself, over and over!
What have you learned about yourself as an artist this year?
My work has become more detailed and tedious. I cannot believe how much I really love meticulous drawings and paintings. I have tried to loosen up, but to no avail. All of the work that I have made this year has been my Shag carpet series. I had the impulse to do these works and just kept on. I did not question why as they felt to be the right thing. I turned fifty this year and believe these works reflect much about how time has passed and how some things have not progressed past the 70's. Many people were surprised by the direction of my new work and even tried to steer me away. These are people I let into my practice. I think I learned that I cannot ignore impulses and that it is important to follow your gut-and intellect and make the work that matters to you!
What hurdles have you overcome this year and how have they affected your art practice?
As an Art Professor- I had to transition all of my classes online and this took a considerable amount of time - time that would have been in the studio. Once I was set up, I actually had more time than normal for my studio practice. I lost a family member to cancer this year. I was part of her care and hospice team. This took an emotional toll. She was also an artist. Other hurdles include an ongoing battle with migraines. I have changed a lot of things in my life and believe this year I was able to control them considerably! I think being able to adapt to new situations is something that comes easy to me. It is also something I have learned to do by painting. Many times paint has a mind of its own and I need to remember to be open to that. As long as I can paint I seem to hold the pieces of my life together.
How has your art practice been affected by the pandemic?
I am a natural introvert. The time alone to reflect on my work, read and gather information was tremendously useful. I almost thrived in the alone time. I also worried a ton- about friends, family and students. The political climate on top of the pandemic has caused many of us, including me, a certain level of anxiety and I believe that anxiety naturally became part of the work. My work is becoming more political because of the pandemic. As I am just starting a new series of works, I am thinking about the chemistry of particles in the air and breathing. I am uncertain how I am going to represent my response to the pandemic, I certainly think the act of breathing will be a topic of some new work. I have always been fascinated by how things spread, and how things can take over- from a virus to moss.
What support systems have you put in place to help keep your practice thriving amidst these unforeseeable circumstances?
I cannot think of anything that I have done differently to provided a support system for my practice. I have spent a great amount of time outside. My garden may have been my largest resource for support. I spent more time in my garden than I ever have before. I took out some frustrations by digging in new beds and starting seeds. I also started hiking and exercising more. The practice of engaging with nature helps me focus my studio time. I am a large consumer of the news and podcasts. In the studio I would alternate my listening so that a podcast can help me focus on positive things as the news was and is so overwhelming. Good music is always good medicine in the studio as well. The contemplative, quiet time I have had has been good for me and the practice of painting. I am ready for change though!
What methods do you employ to stay resilient in your art practice? What tips would you recommend to other artists who find staying resilient difficult?
This is such a good question. I always work on multiple pieces at a time so that one never takes over my thoughts and practice. One painting going wrong can really ruin my productivity. I have learned to put it down and work on other pieces. I match my mood- sometimes I want to do detail work, or color...it is good to switch it up. I read a lot and try to be an active learner. I find do much of the world fascinating. I collect science books and do my best to negotiate through them. I really believe that being an active learner helps me be an active painter. If I am not able to get to the studio I start to not be "ok". I need the quiet practice to stay grounded. I am not easily pulled away fro working. Resilience comes from doing the work itself, over and over!
What have you learned about yourself as an artist this year?
My work has become more detailed and tedious. I cannot believe how much I really love meticulous drawings and paintings. I have tried to loosen up, but to no avail. All of the work that I have made this year has been my Shag carpet series. I had the impulse to do these works and just kept on. I did not question why as they felt to be the right thing. I turned fifty this year and believe these works reflect much about how time has passed and how some things have not progressed past the 70's. Many people were surprised by the direction of my new work and even tried to steer me away. These are people I let into my practice. I think I learned that I cannot ignore impulses and that it is important to follow your gut-and intellect and make the work that matters to you!
Laura Ahola-Young
