As the year 2025 begins, it’s a moment to reflect on the artists who left a mark with their creative works in 2024. Elizabeth Laul Healey, an American artist renowned for her commitment to social activism, continues to stand out with her powerful sculptures and thought-provoking messages. Her upcoming exhibition at the SD Art Advisory & Gallery invites viewers to explore the intersection of art, politics, and human rights, offering a space for reflection and dialogue.
Healey’s artistic journey has been shaped by her upbringing in Laguna Beach and her experiences living in San Diego and North Carolina. The influence of her mother, Dr. Karen Lundegaard, a passionate advocate for human rights and women’s empowerment, is deeply woven into Healey’s work. Similarly, her father, Virgil Laul, an Estonian immigrant, brought stories of resilience and survival that resonate in her creations. These life experiences have inspired Healey to craft art that amplifies marginalized voices and confronts systemic inequities while engaging viewers with both beauty and meaning.
Lucca: The Watch Dog of Positivity
One of Healey’s standout creations is Lucca the Positivity Watch Dog, an eight-foot-tall sculpture designed to inspire hope and connection. Built with reflective glass mirrors, Italian tiles, and natural stones, Lucca captures attention as sunlight plays across his shimmering surfaces, transforming his appearance throughout the day.
Beyond its visual appeal, Lucca carries a deeper message. Around his neck is a watch collar set to 11:11—a time symbolizing unity and global connection. The circular motifs on the collar represent the cycle of life, reminding viewers to cherish relationships and the time they share with loved ones.
For Healey, Lucca is more than a sculpture—it’s a beacon of optimism and a statement about the importance of community and love. Whether positioned in a garden, at the entrance of a building, or inside a home, Lucca is a dynamic centerpiece that radiates positivity.
Currently on display at Imago Galleries in Palm Desert, California, Lucca is priced at $150,000. Healey also offers private commissions for collectors seeking customized pieces. Interested buyers can reach her through her website, www.ElizabethLaulHealey.com, or by phone at (310) 488-1834.
Paloma: The Goddess of Peace
Another of Healey’s remarkable works is Paloma the Peace Goddess, a nine-foot-four-inch sculpture that symbolizes women’s empowerment and the global yearning for peace. Suitable for indoor or outdoor display, Paloma radiates calm strength and inspires reflection on unity and equality.
On the back of the sculpture, the words “Imagine Peace” are inscribed, emphasizing the piece’s hopeful message. The name “Paloma,” Spanish for dove, ties the artwork to themes of peace and freedom.
Healey describes Paloma as a tribute to collective strength and the belief in a more equitable world. Like Lucca, Paloma combines visual grace with profound symbolism, making it both a conversation starter and a source of inspiration.
Details about Paloma and Healey’s creative process can be found on her website, where collectors can learn more about her vision and the availability of her work.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
Healey’s sculptures transcend their physical forms, serving as reflections of her deeply held values and a call to action for her audience. Influenced by her parents’ advocacy and her personal life experiences, Healey creates pieces that challenge societal norms and foster conversations about justice, equity, and human connection.
Lucca and Paloma illustrate her ability to merge intricate craftsmanship with meaningful themes. While Luccaencourages reflection on the connections we share, Paloma inspires contemplation of peace and empowerment. Together, these works highlight Healey’s belief that art is a powerful tool for advocacy and change.
By creating art that uplifts and provokes thought, Healey demonstrates the transformative power of creativity. Her work reminds us that art can challenge perceptions, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire action toward a world built on compassion, fairness, and connection. As we move into 2025, Healey’s creations stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to shape a better future.
