Laura Roth: Creating an Open Dialogue

When I first saw Laura’s work I was touched by it. Like being hit by a memory, soft, vulnerable, bearing a lot of emotions, a bit melancholic at times but also holding a lot of strength and power. A glimpse into the future at the same time, holding hope. It moves you deeply.

For the following I asked Laura if she wants to do an interview with me:

Luna Maluna Gri: Tell me a bit about yourself and your work.

Laura Roth: I grew up in the mountains of Carinthia, in a quite isolated area without neighbors. This upbringing influenced my perception of nature and has shaped my interests from an early age. Currently, I live in Berlin, which is a huge contrast to where I grew up, but this really helps my working process: The closeness and speed of the city and the vastness of the countryside. My work explores various forms of living spaces, often characterized by a sense of isolation. I delve into ecological and sociocultural themes, examining how we define and interact with nature in our era.

LMG: How and why did you start creating art?

LR: Growing up in the mountains, I was constantly surrounded by nature, which has always been a central theme in my work. I attended a school with an art department, where I focused on photography while also spending a lot of time painting. Spending my childhood and youth in the mountains, it became a vital way for me to express and explore my surroundings and personal experiences. It was something that was always with me and provided a sense of connection to the world around me. Today, I aim to blend these influences, creating sculptural connections and expanding my practice beyond photography alone.

LMG: What role does creating art play for you?

LR: Creating has always been a fundamental part of my life, serving as the one constant that has consistently captivated my interest.

LMG: What does your creating process look like?

LR: At the start of a project, I spend weeks doing research, delving into literature and various media. My work is often site-specific, so I usually have a clear vision and sketches of what the final pieces should look like before I begin. However, I always leave room for serendipity and unexpected discoveries along the way. During this phase, I also develop prototypes and conduct initial experiments, refining my ideas as I progress. Also, sticking to a daily routine helps me a lot in my creative process.

LMG: What inspires you?

LR: Literature, music, memories, and of course, nature.

LMG: What is your experience with the art world?

LR: My experience with the art world has been a journey of discovery. While it offers incredible opportunities, it also presents challenges, such as navigating its often exclusive nature.

LMG: Is there something you want to change about the art world? If yes, what and why?

LR: I believe the art world can be overly exclusive. I would like to see it become more accessible and inclusive.

LMG: What do you think is/are the role/-s of artists and art in our society?

LR: Artists and art hold roles that are, in many ways, similar to those of any other individuals. However, I think that art has the capacity to be very vocal, it offers new perspectives, sparks conversations, and reflects the world around us.

LMG: What artist/artists would you like to meet (dead or alive) and if you had one question what would you ask them?

LR: Recently, I was in an exhibition by Nancy Holt, an American landart and media artist, dealing a lot with the perception while being in nature. I would ask her if she can still go for a walk in the forest or be in nature without constantly describing her perception in words, as she did so often in her works. If she can still, simply go out into nature in a relaxed manner.

LMG: Is there something you want to achieve in your art life? Dreams? Future plans? Or projects you would like to do?

LR: In my artistic journey, I aspire to continually evolve and explore. Over the next decade, my goal is to still have the freedom and privilege to create art. At the same time, I am excited about technological advancements and the possibilities they will bring.

LMG: Do you think there is something you can bring to this world through your work as an artist which you couldn’t in any other field of work?

LR: I hope my artwork can stimulate discourse and visually highlight important issues. In comparison to other fields, the power of art lies for me in creating an open dialogue between the artwork and its viewers.