The Bowerbird Collective has captured my attention with two extraordinary talents.

“BOWERBIRD IS A CURATED COLLECTION OF IDEAS TOLD THROUGH THE ARTWORK OF SISTERS, LAURA AND KATE ROEBUCK. BORN FROM A DESIRE TO GROW CLOSER WITH ONE ANOTHER & OUR COMMUNITY, BOWERBRID IS AN ARTISTS’ COLLECTIVE WHERE WE EXHIBIT & SHARE OUR WORK. WE HOPE TO LEAVE YOU WITH AN OUTLOOK THAT IS FULL OF INSPIRATION. WELCOME TO OUR WEB-STUDIO.”

Get to know Laura today and Kate tomorrow.

Laura Roebuck

Chattanooga, TN

What is your training? 

I studied at the University of Georgia where I got my B.F.A. in Painting. 

What inspires you and your designs?

I look through a lot of imagery when planning a piece. Once I’ve decided on the subject matter, I will collect images that inspire me for that specific project. If it is an abstract piece, I try to settle on a color palette to get started. Looking at artwork is a great source of inspiration always. 

What is your favorite piece? 

I am usually enthusiastic about what I’ve just started,  and then I move on. I have a hard time sticking to one genre, but there are several pieces that still have and love. 

 I really enjoyed painting the boucherouite series that I did last year. It’s based on the designs of the Moroccan rag rug. The harlequin piece featured on our website hangs in my house and would be hard to part with. I also really love this piece which is a part of a lunar series where I used gold leaf to create luminosity. It’s a simple painting, and the way it catches the light is beautiful.

 

How has the your area influenced your work?

I’ve been a bit in a baby fog for the past 2 years, but I love how much more I enjoy painting after having moved to Chattanooga and having my son- I was surprised!

This city has a wonderful art scene with lots of creative talent. Kate Roebuck,  my sister-in-law, is just down the street from me now, and is a collaborator and a great source for good, solid critique.  I’m spoiled to work so closely to someone I admire and love dearly. 

What is your favorite restaurant in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has great food. My husband and I love to go to Canyon Grill for a night out. It’s in a rural part of Lookout Mountain, so it feels like a hideaway- though we always see someone we know there. The food is great and the ambience is cozy and romantic. I have good memories there. 

What is your favorite cocktail?

It depends on the day and the season, but a standby for warm weather is prosecco with st. germain, gin, and basil. If not that, then a nice, hoppy beer. 

How do you balance personal life and work?

I stay at home with my 2 year old. Before having him, I thought that it would be a challenge to get enough time in to satisfy my creative side, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the balance he brings. I paint only one day a week, which makes me step back from each project and assess the piece, while giving me plenty of time in between my painting days to truly look forward to each session. I used to get very wrapped up in each day of painting, so much so that I would almost dread them. Now that I don’t have the time to throw all my value into that pot, I see that it was never there in the first place, and I truly enjoy the work.  

 

Dream trip?

 I’m a beach girl. It doesn’t matter where it is. I will go if you take me.

But if I’m really dreaming, I’d love to travel along the Silk Road and through Morocco on a hunt for textiles and other goods to bring home.  

via

Dream commission?

I’d enjoy doing a really large landscape bordering on the abstract. There is a lot of space for personal expression when the subject matter isn’t specific.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

via

A bottle of wine and a hand-picked arrangement. 

 

Who is your style icon?

via

Sarah Jessica Parker. She’s not afraid to be strange and glamorous and sometimes messy. I love her more eccentric ensembles. 

 

 Your favorite up and coming artist?

 I’m going to have to go with Kate. I have several of her pieces and want MORE! She’s got so many new things going right now. I’m looking to make a trade with her for some of her botanical line drawings. Perhaps there is a metallic weaving in my future as well- hint, hint Kate. 

What is your most treasured possession?

 I treasure the ring my husband gave me this past Christmas. He had a pinkie ring made with the tiny pearl he found in an oyster at dinner on our 3rd anniversary. Also, our art collection includes sentimental pieces- many of them by family members. 

 

 What are you reading?

I just finished “Silence, ” by Shusaku Endo

 

 What are you listening to?

I keep tuning into the T. Rex/ David Bowie station I made on Pandora. I love glam rock.

 What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I look on Pinterest a lot. I don’t have the time to comb through the blogosphere, and so it gives me the condensed version of what I might be following otherwise. 

Check a few of my favorites from Laura’s portfolio and various collections on The Bowerbird Collective. 

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