Welcome, I’m Laura.
Photo Credit: Ron BernsteinBefore discovering my passion for the arts, I worked as a nutritionist in complementary health care, blending mindfulness meditation and qi gong with the principles of Chinese medicine. My exposure to Asian aesthetics through Buddhist practice inspired me to pursue a creative life. I maintain an active studio practice where I mentor and teach.
I have been practicing meditation primarily in the Buddhist tradition since the mid-1970’s. After graduating from a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Program taught by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, I began teaching meditation online. I facilitate a free weekly online practice informed by The Realization Process open to everyone through Open Mindfulness Meditation based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
As a fully certified Realization Process teacher, offering these practices is a way to share both the transformations and insights that guide my life and creative practice.
Artist Statement
I am an explorer with materials, intuitively making marks with a wide range of mixed media and tools until a painting or installation reveals itself. I start simply with layers as experiments typically with textiles, paper, recycled materials, ink or paint as a dialogue begins to emerge. Texture, color, and line guide my process.
My brushwork integrates gestural movements influenced by T’ai Chi and dance. This fluid approach to movement keeps the creative process fresh and alive. I approach the creative process with a willingness to take risks, to not know what will emerge, and to welcome failure. Happy accidents offer something to respond to in surprising ways. I love the freedom to simply play.
I have been taking photographs my entire life. I draw on these as references for abstract compositions, mark making, and color palettes. Memories and images of the vast sky, sandy beaches, and rocky coastlines from my childhood and adventures in other cultures inspire me.
Asemic Writing
Video Credit: Nina Hauser
Photo Credit: Don Werthmann
Photo Credit: Nina Hauser
After the Fiesta, mixed media and oil, 12” x 12” on wood panel
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Art: Martin Lubner, Joe Blaustein, Luis Serrano, Elaine Wilson, Nick Reszetar, Paula Roland
Realization Process: Judith Blackstone, Roma Hammel, Marcia Haarer, Christi Bemister, Candace Cave, Roberta Tachi
Spiritual Teachers: Thich Nhat Hanh, Roshi Philip Kaplau, Toni Packer, A.H. Almaas, Catherine McGee, Yanai Postelnik, Rob Burbea, Jill Satterfield
Transformational trainings: Kellogg National Fellowship Program, The Newfield Group-Julio Olalla, Learning as Leadership
Movement: Continuum: Emily Conrad, Susan Harper, Deborah Raoult
Tai Chi (In the lineage of Professor Cheng Man Ching): Maggie Newman, Ed Young, Ben Lo, Grandmaster W.C.C. Chen, Master Wasentha Young, Michael Krubiner
Chinese Medicine: The S.O.P.H.I.A. program at The Traditional Acupuncture Institute, Grandmaster T.K. Shih
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Laura Seligman
Juried Shows, Exhibitions and Galleries
Solo Show, Chris Nordin Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI 2024
POP UP Solo Show, Soaring Crane Studio-Gallery, Dexter, MI 2023
Group Shows, Jackson Junge Gallery, Chicago, IL 2022-2023
Group Show, Catalyst Art Lab, Chicago, IL 2022
Gallery, Ann Arbor Arts Center, Ann Arbor, MI 2020-2023
Solo Show, Henry Ford Hospital, Healing Arts, Detroit, MI 2020
Group Show, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI 2019-2020
Solo Show, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI 2019
Washington Street Gallery, Visiting Artist, Ann Arbor, MI 2018-2019
Lubner Art Studio, Group Show, Los Angeles, CA 2013
Art Division, Los Angeles, Group Show, CA 2012
Solo Show, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI 2011
Art in the House, Capital Building, curated by River Gallery, UofM, Lansing, MI 2010 and 2011
The Primacy of Water Photography, curated by River Gallery, UofM, Ann Arbor, MI 2011
From Tradition to Innovation, curated by River Gallery, UofM, Ann Arbor, MI 2010
Knock on Wood, River Gallery, Chelsea, MI, 2010
Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild, Power Center, Ann Arbor, MI 2003-4, 2006-10
Creative Paths in Fiber, Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild, Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti, MI 2009
Hydrology, Chelsea Arts Center, Chelsea, MI 2009
Michigan League of Handweavers 15th Biennial Show, Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson, MI 2008
Members Only Exhibition, Ann Arbor Arts Center, Ann Arbor, MI 2007
Convergence: Fiber Art: Cutting Edge, Grand Rapids, MI 2006
Exploring Australia, Michigan Quilt Artist Invitational, Toured MI, 2006-07
A Celebration of Renewal, The Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI 2005
Fiber Arts Exhibition, FORMA Fine Crafts, Ann Arbor, MI 2005
Solo Show, The Pierpont Commons, UofM, Ann Arbor, MI 2005
Shibori: Traditional to Contemporary, Oberlin College, OH, 2005
2005 Jackson Area Show, Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson, MI 2005
Solo Show, Gifts of Art, Cancer Center, UofM Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI 2004
New Fibers 2004, Michigan League of Handweavers, MI State University,
Traveling Show, 2004-06; Award, Second Place, Functional Arts
Sacred Images: Buddhist and Christian, The Scarab Club, Detroit, MI 2004
Fiber Feast Fashion Show, Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild, Ann Arbor, MI 2003-07, 2010
Quilting –by-the-Lake, Morrisville, NY, 2002
American Quilt Society Fashion Show, Paducah, KY, 2002
Work in Publications
Michigan Fascination with Fiber Handweaving Heritage, Marie Giles and Marian Marzoff, The University of Michigan Press, 2006
Leaping Clear: A Magazine of Art, Literature and Contemplation, Fall 2020. www.leapingclear.org
UMMA News, University of Michigan Museum of Art, November 11, 2020 www.umma.umich.edu
Related Experience
Realization Process Teacher, fully certified and trained by Judith Blackstone and senior teachers, 2021-present
https://realizationprocess.org/teachers-by-area/
Meditation Teacher, Open Mindfulness Meditation, free guided meditations for the community, https://openmindfulnessmeditation.org/, 2020-present
Residency, Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti, MI, 2021
Dharma and Art program, facilitator, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, 2021
Contemplative Encounter with Art, Dharma and Art Program, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, 2018-2019
https://www.buddhistinquiry.org/yearlong-programs/dharma-and-art/
Certified SoulCollage® Facilitator, 2014-present
Docent, Mindfulness in the Museum program, University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), 2018-2021
Docent, Meet Me program for people with memory loss, 2015-2020
Docent, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor, MI 2008-2011, 2015-present
Docent, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, CA 2011-2018, 2020-2021
Education
B.A., University of Rochester
B.S., SUNY Empire State College
M.S., Teachers College, Columbia University