As the year 2024 is almost over, we pause to celebrate the artists who have created great work this year. One such artist is New Jersey-based Nancy Staub Laughlin, who has crafted a unique artistic language by blending pastels on paper with photography to create intricate assemblages.
Nancy doesn’t just create art; she invites us into an immersive world where vibrant colors, radiant light, and layered textures converge. Her work is a harmonious balance between the allure of nature and her own distinct vision.
Her creative process begins with arranging still-life compositions that she photographs. These images are more than mere references—they form the very foundation of her pastel creations. In her latest series, she takes this fusion a step further by embedding the photographs directly into her pastel artworks. The result is a dynamic layering of mediums that feels both cohesive and alive.
Crafting these assemblages is as much about the journey as it is about the finished piece. Nancy merges the softness of pastels with the precision of photography, producing works that are simultaneously realistic and dreamlike. Her approach strikes a balance between spontaneity and structure, a quality evident in pieces like “The Transition of Spring” and “The Blossoming of Froth.”
In “The Transition of Spring” (24 x 33 inches), she captures the energy and beauty of seasonal change with details that seem to shift with the light. “The Blossoming of Froth” (31 x 55 inches) showcases intricate pastel strokes that harmonize with photographic elements, creating a vibrant celebration of nature.
Light and color are pivotal in her work. Her pastels emit an energy that appears to radiate off the surface. By integrating photographs, she adds layers of texture and dimension, drawing viewers deeper into her world. Bold hues contrast with softer tones, creating a dynamic yet balanced rhythm. Light dances across her compositions, giving them a luminous quality that is both captivating and serene.
Nature serves as her primary muse, but she interprets it through a lens of elegance and sparkle. Nancy doesn’t merely depict natural elements; she transforms them, infusing familiar scenes with a touch of magic. Her keen sense of composition allows her to know when to let the photograph take center stage and when to let her pastel work shine, resulting in cohesive pieces rich with contrast.
Her art is an invitation to pause and connect. The assemblages encourage viewers to slow down and explore, revealing new details with every layer—from the delicate textures of pastels to the intricate patterns captured in her photographs. In a fast-paced world, her work offers a moment of beauty and reflection.
Nancy’s ability to seamlessly blend photography and pastels speaks to her dedication and innovation. She challenges traditional boundaries, creating immersive experiences built on experimentation and refinement. Through her assemblages, she opens a door to a vibrant world, inviting us to see the interplay of light, texture, and nature in a new way. Whether capturing the vitality of spring or the sparkling textures of froth, her work leaves a lasting impression that beckons us to return.
As we reflect on 2024’s creative minds, Nancy Staub Laughlin’s works showcase her distinctive approach and the emotional depth of her art. Her creations highlight creative expression and enrich our appreciation for intricate beauty.
