Laura Osterweis-Lipstick Artist-April Spotlight Artist
Welcome to April’s installment of The Artist Spotlight! Each month, the Medway Cultural Council will ask a Medway artist questions about their artwork. This month we will put the spotlight on Laura Osterweis, an artist who uses lipstick to make her art work.
Laura in her studio
Tell us about your art?
Creating artwork, custom logos, and special promotional materials for a wide range of clients.
I have exhibited in juried shows in NYC, Brooklyn and Cambridge, and I created a commissioned piece of lipstick art for L’Oréal Paris which was on display during Paris Fashion Week 2016. I have lectured on my creative process to an international audience in Athens, Greece; published a paper on my artwork in an academic journal; and, occasionally teach hands-on workshops in lipstick painting.
In addition to my work as an artist, I am a professor in the Art & Music Department at Framingham State University and a freelance graphic and web designer. I have an MFA in Visual Design from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a BA in English and Journalism from the University of Connecticut.
What inspires you?
I explore concepts of beauty and graphic expression in lipstick, makeup and mixed-media. I crop subject matter to draw particular attention to one specific aspect or feature and to encourage the viewer to more closely observe and think about parts of subjects that we see regularly but do not often consciously examine. I sometimes also explore the meaning and value of original artwork by incorporating appropriations of iconic images. Working with a bright palette, I explore how my use of recycled or repurposed material might add to the content of my work.
How did you get started in making your art? What drew you into the field?
I created my series, “Can’t You Put on a Little Lipstick?” from an enormous collection of giveaway lipsticks I amassed over a number of years. But that’s not the whole story…since I was of dating age, my grandmother always gently urged, “Can’t you put on a little lipstick?” This repeated suggestion, combined with my lipstick collection, started me thinking about how wearing lipstick contributes to our concepts of beauty. That’s what led me to put on a little lipstick, on watercolor paper, to see how it might be perceived.
I began working in the medium of lipstick and makeup in 2009. I usually work from my own photos or photo composites that I create. Though I continue to experiment with different surfaces, I generally use gessoed watercolor paper or oil paper because the dimples on the surface absorb the thick medium while still allowing blending. I apply the lipstick and makeup directly from the tube or compact. Using my finger, a paper towel, or other makeup tools, I smudge the color into the paper. When I need a finer line, I apply lipstick or eye liners. I often spray the completed work with an oil fixative or varnish. In addition to lipstick and makeup, I have experience with oil sticks, acrylics, pastels and watercolors.
How long have you lived in Medway? What drew you to this town?
I have lived in Medway almost nine years. I absolutely love the small New England town charm and the walkable friendly neighborhoods.
How can people experience your work? Do you have a website/gallery?
My artwork can be viewed at www.thelipstickartist.com as well as on Instagram and Facebook @thelipstickartist
Describe your favorite meal
Describing my favorite meal is a tough one because there is so much that I enjoy – nothing beats a homemade soup or salad made from picking a bunch of veggies right from my backyard garden but I also enjoy a seaside seafood dinner, baked potato and glass of wine; and, I definitely crave margarita pizza with a tasty beer from time to time!