We had a chat to the artist about the movement, her practice and the feeling of giving things away for free.
The #freeartfriday movement is a worldwide movement that has since found a home in Geelong, after the talented and equally passionate artist Laura Alice discovered the idea from fellow local artist Josh McCrimmon. Known for her magical, folk inspired artworks and her various paste ups around town, Laura has been hiding a few more things in the laneways and side-streets of Geelong.
Hi Laura, thanks for taking the time to chat with us, have you been up to anything creative lately?
Hey guys, things have been quiet for the past year or so as I have been immersing myself in the wonderful creative life of a new mama. My awesome little man Joa has just turned one, and I am just now getting back into the swing of things as far as studio work and projects goes.
We saw you’ve been giving away your art to those lucky enough to find them, how did you come up with the idea?
Well, Free Art Friday (#freeartfriday) is a world-wide movement which started in the UK (by an artist called ‘My Dog Sighs’). It was then brought to Geelong by local artist/street artist Josh McCrimmon. I was lucky enough to snag one of his artworks a little while ago, and since he was moving on from Geelong, I decided to pay it forward and continue in the tradition.
Was it an easy thing to let go of your art in that way?
I really enjoy the idea of handing the artworks to the universe and seeing what happens. Giving away prints was a lot easier than the couple of originals I gave. Originals are much harder to let go of.
Those artworks are ones that you created a little while ago, is it a cathartic process to give those away and move onto the next thing?
The process is really cathartic, and as I have been through such a state of transition with my life and art, I am loving letting go of the old to make way for the new – it is a really cleansing feeling. And it is so much better to give away unwanted artworks than throw them away, or let them clutter up your studio space. I believe that having them looking over your shoulder can keep you static in your creative journey.
What’s it like for you leaving your artworks on the street and walking away from them? Are you apprehensive at all?
I really love the feeling of hiding them and walking away. Whether someone stumbles across them, or sees an Instagram post and goes out of their way to hunt it down, you feel like you have gifted something precious to the world. Of course you hope that they are found and cherished, rather than lost or rained-on or thrown in the bin. But that is part of the adventure.
Would you recommend other artists to do something like this?
Definitely! It is really fun and a big artistic treasure-hunt brings so much goodness to our city.
Whenever people buy your work I’m sure the reactions are ecstatic, though discovering a piece of art for free is a completely different experience. What’s it like for you watching the reactions come through?
It is 50/50 if you hear back from the finder or not. But, when they do reach out, it is the best feeling.
Someone could be wandering down the street, and see a lovely piece of art poking out from behind a dumpster, with a hand-written note saying it was just for them, and I just love the idea of the joy and whimsy you would feel if that happened to you.
What’s the next artistic project for you?
I am working on a few different projects, including a picture book, several commissions, a couple of walls and a series of paintings I hope to exhibit early next year. I am also back studying graphic design online and supporting my talented hubby Jono with his upcoming solo photography exhibition which is exciting. Plus the ever-creative process of being a mama.
Keep your eyes peeled for future #freeartfriday pop ups, otherwise you can see more of Laura’s art on her website: http://www.laura-alice.com/.
