About the Artist
Hi, I’m Laura Buys
I am a fine artist and a United States Air Force veteran. My portrait and story are featured at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. Currently, I am also pursuing a higher education in Holistic Nutrition.
The artwork that I create is deeply rooted in life experience. Over the years, I have worked with a variety of populations, including kids, teens, elderly people, individuals with physical and mental disabilities, trauma survivors, service members, the homeless, and the LGBTQ community. As a young professional, I began incorporating art therapy and other holistic methods into my human services practice. Not only did I soon begin noticing improvements in my clients, such as decreases in their post-traumatic stress, but I also noticed the same improvements within myself! This sparked a chain of events which eventually led to my career as a fine artist. It is also why to this day, each piece that I create is designed with the intention to inspire others as we navigate our own unique journeys of personal healing.
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Syracuse University News Veterans
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Tillman Scholar
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Pat tillman foundation
My Philosophy
Beyond sex, beyond gender, beyond life and death.
My art represents one’s innate beauty, uniqueness,and infinite power. It is about feeling, connecting, empowering, and liberating. Art is Healing. That’s why I focus on honoring individuality, as well as accepting and celebrating the body in all of its seasons. My art is a reminder to let go of shame and embrace our beautiful mix of yin / yang energies. These one of a kind masterpieces are made to inspire the soul and elevate any space!
I specialize in abstract, glam, 3-D art, and of course, Vageodes! I use a combination of painting, pouring and sculpture to make handmade originals that cannot be copied or reproduced - each piece is truly ONE OF A KIND! While some of my masterpieces can take a few days to create, others take weeks to months! My Vageodes are made through a detailed painting and drying process, which creates the 3-dimensional layers that has become known as the Art By Laura Buys signature style! Whatever the masterpiece may be, my artistic approach incorporates rich hues, textures, and lively shapes to produce relatable and reflective surfaces, so the viewer can find parts of themselves in each of the artworks.
In 2018, I attended a very transformational course at Syracuse University which ultimately led to the creation of my first Vageode, entitled "Made In My Image.“ Although this piece was intended to be a very personal project, the immediate response by close friends and family was staggering. People of all ages, genders and backgrounds began reacting so strongly to the piece that I was soon flooded with offers to buy it. As a result, I started making Vageodes as gifts for loved ones, but the demand kept growing…
In 2021, I launched my first solo show, "The Vageode Collection.” This show SOLD OUT and led to a huge demand for custom artwork, competitions, shows, and public appearances. I have been busy ever since!
