Crossover Clay
What happens when a polymer artist seeks fine art training? Read about Laura LePere’s experience finding acceptance in new places.
Laura LePere
Obtaining degrees in archaeology and geology took Laura outdoors a great deal and gave her a deep appreciation of the natural world in and of itself and as the context of human life. She loves to travel and, after college, spent nearly 10 years living overseas where she was immersed in other cultures. Always fond of animals, in recent years she has become a birder—developing a deeper awareness of birds’ variety, behaviors, and habitats. With these varied experiences, it is no surprise that Laura has worked with many creative media. Her professional background includes 8 years drawing maps by hand and 16 years as a website designer. Creativity for fun has included many types of textile arts as well as jewelry design and mosaics. In 2008, she was introduced to polymer clay and it became a favorite medium. More recently, she has studied traditional 2-D art media while pursuing a Certification in Nature Art, which she received in early 2019, from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute. Her recent work most often combines polymer clay with other media, creating low-relief wall pieces. Laura is a member of the Tucson Polymer Clay Guild, International Polymer Clay Association, and the Southern Arizona Arts Guild. Her work has been exhibited in juried and invitational shows at diverse venues across southern Arizona and as far afield as Florida. In addition, she has had two solo shows in the Tucson area. She is most honored to have a piece in the permanent collection of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
