Laurie-Schafer-Artist-Profile

LAURIE SCHAFER

Laurie Schafer, an esteemed Fiber/Mixed Media Artist based in the scenic high desert between Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, California, boasts a journey that has traversed vast landscapes and mediums. Originating from Minnesota, her artistic prowess was nurtured from a young age, leading her to a degree in Clothing Design from the University of Minnesota. Schafer’s career evolved from fine arts to pioneering Artwear, a unique blend of art and fashion that has garnered her numerous accolades, and visibility in prestigious books, magazines, museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide. Her artistic expression, initially focused on Artwear, has since flourished into Fiber/Mixed Media, inspired by the stark beauty and mid-century modern aesthetic of her desert surroundings. This geographical shift has not only rekindled her love for mid-century modern designs but also deepened her appreciation for the desert’s vistas, its elusive water and verdure, and the profound beauty of the universe.

Schafer’s work, characterized by its mixed media artworks, paintings, drawings, and installations, stitches together life’s moments to punctuate human drama, seeking poetic meaning in the mundane. Her creations emphasize aesthetics to seduce viewers into a world of equilibrium, reflecting the flow of daily life. Schafer’s fiber work, influenced by traditional “woman’s work,” unveils a disconcerting beauty through layers of meaning that captivate and draw the viewer into her narrative world. Combining fiber with drawing and painting, she builds layers until the image emerges, exploring the intersections of fine art and craft. Her commitment to craftsmanship and the tactile nature of her work investigates the realms of romanticism and reality, making her pieces a testament to the collective memory and the magical essence of great artistry.