Laura Swale
British-born Laura Swale is a versatile artist with a portfolio of figurative and abstract print-making, collage and painting in oil, acrylic and mixed media. Her work explores themes such as physics, music, nature and the human experience.
As part of her artistic practice, Laura often works with designers and architects on large scale artistic briefs for commercial and residential projects which require creative solutions for site-specific interior art, such as themed collections, murals, installations or unique statement pieces.
While the realism of Laura’s early representational style continues to inform her practice, she also enjoys exploring the physical properties and possibilities of new materials to produce work of an experimental and visually stimulating nature.
Using markmaking and paint effects for texture and depth, she builds layers to form an interplay between what is visible and what is hidden.
Laura earned a BA (Hons) in illustration and graphic design at Bath Spa University and a PGCE post-graduate certificate in education from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Laura pursued her creative practice alongside a 15-year teaching career during which she taught art, design, textiles and photography and as head of department, oversaw visual arts, music and performing arts. She also spent two years as an artist in residence at Leighton Park in England.
Laura is also an art writer, and has a background in cultural event planning, gallery and curatorial work.
In 2016, Laura relocated to Malta and founded award-winning visual arts platform Allura. Alongside its online gallery Allura Art and video series - Artist Secrets, Allura runs exhibitions and open studio events to promote the work of local artists.
As Arts and Culture Coordinator for the Times of Malta newspaper, Laura covered Malta’s national arts and entertainment sector. She has also written for other national newspapers and publications, including her own, the Allura Art Blog.
Laura is a member of the judging panels of several art prizes, the most notable of which being the Sovereign Art Prize. Laura has also won several awards for her entrepreneurial work in the arts sector showcasing the creative talent of other artists.
Laura Swale was born in London, England in 1973 and is currently based in Malta, EU.