Interview
Laura Bernardeschi Nelson
Laura Bernardeschi Nelson’s journey (known also as lauraartist68) is an artist whose work is both profound and transformative, reflecting a deep personal narrative intertwined with social consciousness and spiritual awakening. Through her evolving artistic practices, she has not only crafted a unique style but also used art as a form of therapy and activism. Initially drawn to watercolors, Laura's passion shifted to the more intense and vibrant medium of acrylics. This move represented a turning point, as acrylics allowed her to explore bold color and dynamic composition in ways that connected her to both her inner world and the larger environment. Over time, she incorporated other mediums like markers, oil pastels, and soft pastels, each selected to evoke specific emotional and psychological responses.
As Laura's work evolved, it became more abstract, emotional, and deeply personal, delving into themes of memory, self-identity, and transformation. Her art resonates with viewers who appreciate pieces that speak to universal human experiences, from personal survival to global environmental issues. Laura's work has been featured in numerous high-profile exhibitions, including solo shows and group events, where her self-portraits and environmental advocacy have sparked important conversations. From her first open studios in London to being selected for major international art fairs, Laura has made an impact in the art world, with her pieces gaining attention for their emotional depth and social relevance.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My artistic career, which began in 2017, was born from a need to heal and express herself after enduring emotional abuse and mental health struggles. Before transitioning into painting, I had a rich career as a life model, actress, and photographer. These professions helped me develop an intuitive understanding of color, light, form, and human expression. Although I did not pursue formal art education, my time in London allowed me to access a diverse artistic community and refine my creative voice.”
What inspires you?
“My Italian heritage and the influence of masters like Caravaggio shaped my appreciation for dramatic lighting and chiaroscuro, while London’s rich art scene inspired a more global approach, incorporating the works of artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Klimt. My self-portraits, in particular, become powerful statements of survival, resilience, and self-empowerment. These portraits explore complex emotions such as sadness, confusion, strength, and eventual healing, offering a visual narrative of reclaiming one's voice and identity. In addition to personal healing, my art is driven by a strong sense of social responsibility.
I use my work to address pressing global issues, particularly environmental concerns like climate change and the degradation of natural ecosystems. My deep connection to nature is evident in my art, where themes of ecological preservation often intersect with my exploration of personal healing. My work serves as a call to action, much like Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ did in its time, urging the audience to reflect on and respond to the crisis facing the planet. Although I do not adhere to a specific religion, I describe myself as deeply spiritual, finding meaning and connection through nature and the arts. Elements like trees, flowers, and the sea feature prominently in my work as symbols of harmony, peace, and natural beauty. My spiritual practices, often accompanied by New Age music, help me channel energy and focus while painting, deepening the connection between my personal experiences and the artwork I create. My belief that art should challenge societal norms and provoke thought is evident in my pieces, which frequently incorporate social commentary. I am inspired by artists like Picasso, who used art as a tool for social change, and I carry this philosophy into my own practice, aiming to make art that not only resonates emotionally but also engages the viewer in larger dialogues about the world.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My work covers a wide range of powerful themes. I use my art to tackle climate change, mental health, and women’s empowerment, often through original portraits that bring these subjects to life in a personal, emotional way. In the past year, my focus has expanded to include pop art, which is typically bold and colorful, and mysterious landscapes connected to mythological themes. This shift could be a way for me to explore deeper, more abstract ideas or connect with themes of ancient stories and symbolism in a contemporary context. The mix of pop art with mythology could give my work a modern yet timeless feel.”
How would you describe your work?
“My art serves both as a form of personal healing and as a tool for social commentary, blending deeply personal experiences with larger global issues. My self-portraits, especially, act as a visual narrative of resilience and empowerment, tackling complex emotions like sadness, confusion, and strength. These works reflect my journey through trauma, anxiety, and emotional abuse, showing her process of reclaiming her voice and identity. On a broader scale, I am driven by a sense of social responsibility, particularly when it comes to environmental concerns. My strong connection to nature is a recurring theme in my work, where the exploration of personal healing often intersects with her commitment to ecological preservation. This dual focus - healing and social responsibility - gives my art both emotional depth and a powerful call to action.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My artistic influences span such a diverse range of iconic artists, from Picasso’s bold social commentary to Van Gogh’s emotional intensity, David Hockney’s vibrant colours, Klimt’s ornamental style, and Lucian Freud’s raw, intimate portraits. My recent interest in pop art also shows my evolving taste, embracing the bold, contemporary style of artists who push boundaries. However, it’s interesting that, despite being Italian, I don;t connect with many of the traditional Italian artists, perhaps because their religious themes don’t resonate with my personal beliefs. Caravaggio, though, stands out as an exception. I admire his innovative approach to light and shadow, which speaks to my deep appreciation for the technical aspects of art, especially in how it can amplify emotion and narrative.”
“My art serves both as a form of personal healing and as a tool for social commentary, blending deeply personal experiences with larger global issues.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process really embodies a sense of freedom and exploration. My commitment to experimentation shows how I view art as a dynamic and evolving practice, not restricted by tradition or medium. By mixing acrylics, markers, oil pastels, and soft pastels, I am able to tap into the unique qualities of each, using them to communicate different moods or intensities. My mastery of color mixing also stands out as a key component of my expression. The bold, vibrant hues I favors - like red, orange, gold, blue, and yellow - bring my works to life with an almost visceral energy. Those colors seem to have a purpose beyond aesthetic appeal, creating urgency or calm depending on the message she’s trying to communicate.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“My role as an artist has evolved rapidly, and it’s clear I’m carving out a meaningful space for myself in the art world. In just a few years, my work has moved from personal healing to significant international recognition, with exhibitions in the UK, Europe, and beyond. My ability to connect with universal themes - personal survival, emotional resilience, and environmental advocacy - has helped me reach a broad audience, making my art not just a personal statement but a cultural one that resonates on a global scale. As my recognition grows, it seems like my influence will only expand, allowing me to be part of larger conversations about the role of art in society, especially art that speaks to urgent, human-centered issues.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My upcoming exhibitions this year include: EXI , Call for art for an existential art exhibition in Central London, Crypt Gallery St Pancras in February; Artists’ Protest: in Words & Images! Dunoon MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), Scotland; Contrast Issue 3, Meta Space Gallery UK; 24th Community Art Exhibition in Virtual Reality, Circular art space.”
