Laura Lee Junge

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed “surrealistic expressionism”.

Junge’s childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and “in-house” artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today’s art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, “Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced.” Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

When one asks why or what it is that I paint, the answer is very simple. I paint because I must and I paint what I feel. My inspirations are energy and movement and I strive to capture these on the canvas as I explore various subject matters. With the use of vigorously applied oils in various consistencies, I first attempt to create an environment that appears to be in motion. Then finishing with fine glazes and tighter painting movements, I add in the content of the story that the painting will tell.

As an emerging female Chicago artist, I attempt to reflect current social political issues, as well as personal life experiences in my work. In the majority of my work, I rely on the human figure to help tell a story and illustrate the emotional turbulence with which humans often struggle. In other groups of work, the focus is on inanimate objects becoming animated with the use of bold color passages and the feeling of movement throughout the work. While dealing with subject matters that are both intense and light hearted, it is my goal to touch the emotions of the human spirit.