Meet laura madden

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Madden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.

Laura, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
This is a great question for me- multilayered and one that continues to unfold, so I’ll start with the most pertinent both personally and professionally. I have always believed in living a stylish lifestyle to ease the stressors of everyday modern life, but with one caveat- I have made it my mission to make sure it is not at the expense of the planet, and I have transmuted my mission into the creation of my art business, ReFashioned Art- what I consider the merging of sustainability and style.

Why I make art is dictated by my style and intention of achieving a certain level of aesthetic. How I make art is driven by sustainability. I started using discards and found objects that would likely end up in landfill and quickly learned that not only is there no shortage of unwanted stuff, but creating fine art out of unconventional items and repurposed materials results in an unrivaled style aesthetic- and I am in love!

It is my purpose to create as much beauty and style in the world while lowering my impact as much as I can. It doesn’t necessarily make my life easier but it feels really good to do good.

My work has originated from my love of people, the planet, fashion, and uncovering beauty where it is not normally found. In making beautiful things, I hope to grab people’s attention and help them reconsider how they can be more sustainable in their everyday lives, and maybe even start creating their own art as well- because it feels really good to make beautiful things we love with our very own hands.

I will forever be on the quest to make the stylish more sustainable and the sustainable more stylish. It is possible for the two to coexist, and in the most fabulous ways possible. It is my purpose to show you!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an artist and sustainable fashion advocate, and in 2019 I decided to pursue my art professionally and created ReFashioned Art. My work is modern, abstract art made using reclaimed materials to align with my mission of merging style + sustainability, and helping people live a stylish lifestyle. The ReFashioned Art mission statement is to Create More Style. Less Waste.

My work is entirely purpose driven. I collect discarded items (salvaged canvases, antique & vintage frames, building materials such as leftover paints and discarded wood) & transform them into modern stylish artwork, consisting of 2D & 3D wall art. My process of making art gives new life to what most people consider trash while reducing unnecessary waste & conserving resources.

ReFashion is a word I wrote in a journal many years ago. It was at a time when I became newly aware of sustainable fashion and how much of an impact that was going to have on my life. The essence of ReFashioned Art is bringing something back to fashion. Taking something old, tattered, discarded and bringing it back in fashion- making something stylish, new and cool again; giving something new life that would otherwise end up in landfill and be discarded as trash.

A few things ‘of the moment’:
My most purpose driven series to date is my ReFashion ReSculpt series, utilizing fabric remnants, unrecyclable plastics and paper to create sculptural 3D wall art.

My favorite collaboration to date is with David E Adler Fine Rugs in Scottsdale. We have partnered on designing rugs using my original artwork. To see my artwork on a medium I never knew was even possible has been completely mind opening as to what is possible for my work and I am looking forward to future collaborations in the home apparel space.

I currently have a 14 piece display at Kenect downtown Phoenix, a yearlong solo show that comes to a close this month. All artwork is available and promo pricing is being offered to all sales made before month’s end.

And… I have my biggest show of the year this November, the Camelback Studio Tour is a weekend long open house art show and all are welcome! 11/11 -11/12.
https://camelbackstudiotour.com

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Most importantly for anyone starting out is to believe in your work and your mission- easier said than done, I know from my own experience, but looking back I wish I’d know that because no matter what it is you do- there is no one else that does what you do in the exact way that you do it. If you have a desire and a purpose, there is good reason for it and we should not ignore it or downplay it. There are people seeking and needing exactly what it is you want to do.

I thought about being an artist for years, and specifically had this vision of making art out of ‘trash’ but always ignored it because I was so afraid people would think I was too weird and wouldn’t take me seriously.

I am entirely self-taught and have always been attuned to beauty and style my entire life. From a young age I became very aware of how my environment affects my mood and have always been conscious of creating a space that matches my style.

As an adult, I wanted to live what felt like a stylish and luxurious lifestyle and to feel fashionable in my own home- and for me that meant having art on my walls that was unique, one of a kind and completely me. Having original art on your walls is what makes walking into a room feel so exclusive and gives that je ne sais quoi to your home.

I have been an artist my whole life, but kept it more of a secret, only making art for my own homes as needed. I want to encourage people to explore the breadcrumbs that pull you off what [other people] might tell you should be your path. When we trust what is truly calling us and brings us joy, it can never lead us astray. Ask for help, employ others where you fall short. There is always a way.

I’ve leveraged my social media following and skills from prior career paths to advance my art career. I have always known the importance of staying visible to grow any business but I think my modeling and fitness backgrounds really helped me to be more comfortable being on camera and speaking on video as much as I do. I also just really love to talk! With the events of the last few years I had to really get creative and dig deep to find what did I love doing enough to keep myself going and continue working as hard as I have been. It’s talking about my work, showing up on video and pairing my love of art and fashion. You gotta wear clothes to be on camera and I have had so much fun picking out my wardrobe to coordinate and accentuate the art. I’m all in on self expression – in every way!

What is most surprising to me since embarking on a career in art is how at home this feels. I still pinch myself that I get to do this, but I didn’t realize how much I LOVED doing this and how much I missed not doing it until I started doing it.

There are no rules.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
The bulk of my business is creating original artwork and commissions, but I also sell limited prints, and various home decor items, such as acrylic blocks and fine rugs. What’s next for ReFashioned Art? Additional partnerships with home & lifestyle brands to develop & expand my home apparel offerings, such as wall paper, fabrics, pillows, dishware, decor. I also love working with designers to pick out that perfect piece to add a fashionable edge to the walls of their project. Much of my work is inspired by design and helping people live a luxurious and fashionable lifestyle at home.

Design professionals and businesses that are also inspired to create more style, less waste in the world by repurposing reclaimed items and lowering our impact on the planet, I would love to connect with you! Please visit my Instagrams @ReFashionedArt + @iamlauramadden and website: shop.iamlauramadden.com
and of course, email me: [email protected]

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo #2 Kavan Lake Photo #3 Donovan J Harris (last one Phyllis Lane)

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