We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Earlier in my artistic life I struggled with finding my uniqueness and my own “style” until I realized that we are all affected by the art we’ve seen and experienced throughout our lives and these moments stay within us. We all “copy” from others but no two artists can ever be the same. It’s okay to take your time and let your style change to get there.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the day I learned to paint what only I liked was a defining moment for me. It gave me strength and my work greatly improved. I allowed for many works to be trashed, make a lot of disasters and pushed myself harder. I gave myself mini assignments. I became my own teacher in a sense. For instance, today my color palette can only be done using just three colors or writing the lyrics of the song playing now in my ear down on the canvas and painting in the spaces and then create movement using only primary colors or just freely paint lines then find something in this to paint to make a ‘masterpiece’

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to the Ace Hotel rooftop! Sit outside in their comfy pool loungers listening to great music from around the world lying under the stars! It’s one of my favorite places in LA. Also a show at the Groundlings theater!! Nearly every great comedian has come out of this place. I took a lot of improv classes here. I’ve never laughed so hard in my whole life. It helped me become a much more daring artist making the biggest fool out of myself and I can name things off the top of my head in a heartbeat in any situation!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes A big shout out to the Los Angeles Art Association and the International Artist Association

Instagram: @lauracullencohen

Image Credits
Socrates Alafouzos

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