A Journey into Sustainable Art
Laura Madden's path to becoming a celebrated artist wasn't a linear one. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she always had a penchant for creativity. However, it wasn't until later in life that she fully embraced her passion for art.
"I've always made my own art throughout my entire adult life, but it was really only for myself," Madden explains. "I kept it to myself, as just something I did whenever we moved to a new home."
It wasn't until Madden and her husband settled in Arizona in 2018, with a studio on their property, that her artistic endeavors began to flourish. Initially, her goal was simply to adorn their home with her creations. But as she filled their walls with art, she realized that creating art was what she truly wanted to do.
"In 2019, I decided to pursue art professionally and start a business selling my art," Madden says. "It was a leap of faith, and a bit scary, but I knew it was what I needed to do."
Madden's artistic journey began with abstract modern art, her first love. Over time, she started incorporating 3D elements into her work, using fabric remnants and found objects to create unique pieces. This shift towards sustainability was born out of her desire to reduce waste and give new life to discarded materials.
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​"I've always been passionate about sustainability, and I wanted my art to reflect that," Madden explains. "Using reclaimed materials not only helps the environment but also results in a truly modern one-of-a-kind aesthetic."
Her art has been well-received, earning much praise and press for her commitment to sustainability and her unique aesthetic. Madden emphasizes that while sustainability is a driver for her work, she leads with style, allowing the art to speak for itself.
"I want people to be drawn in by the aesthetic of the art first and foremost," Madden says. “If I can inspire someone with my commitment to lowering my impact on the planet, that lends even more power to my work.”
As Madden continues to push the creative boundaries of merging style and sustainability with her art, she hopes to inspire others to rethink their approach to creativity and consumption.
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"Incorporating sustainability into art isn't just about lowering our impact," Madden says. "It's about reimagining what's possible and creating something truly one of a kind."
Currently, Madden is working on a series using old chef coats from James Beard Award winning Chef Christopher Gross's collection, as well as partnering with fashion designers to incorporate their remnant fabrics into her artwork. She sees this as an opportunity to not only create stunning pieces that become more like fashion for your walls, but to also raise awareness about sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
For those interested in exploring Madden's work further, her website, shop.iamlauramadden.com, and Instagram (@LauraMaddenStudio) are great places to start. Madden also offers private showings for serious inquiries and has displays at the Gallery Bar and KENECT in downtown Phoenix.