Swimmers and Flyers, 2022, inks, wax + resin, oil on board, 40 x 36 in.
ABOUT
Known for her evocative figurative paintings that explore themes of resilience, empowerment, and transformation, Laura Ross-Paul is a Northwest artist and (retired) academic with a career spanning over four decades. Her work has been showcased around the country, particularly on the West Coast, earning recognition for its emotional depth and social relevance. Known for creating art that is both universally spiritual and deeply personal, Ross-Paul’s later works, particularly those focused on social activism, are strikingly powerful. Her ongoing commitment to advocating for women’s rights continues to blaze a bold and influential path, inviting viewers to reflect on both individual and collective empowerment.
Laura Ross-Paul working in her studio.
SELECTED ARTWORKS
BIOGRAPHY
EXHIBITIONS
The BrEaST Show Installation, Research Embrace Share, Bonded in Breastedness, Nine Gallery.
Visual Code Installation, Portland Community College.
PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS
The Cultural Landscape 12: Special Edition
Text and Photographs by K.B. Dixon, NOVEMBER 26, 2023, Oregon ArtsWatch.
K.B. Dixon’s cultural-portrait series continues with a “special edition” featuring trailblazing women artists Lucinda Parker, Judy Cooke, Phyllis Yes, Sherrie Wolf, and Laura Ross-Paul.
Laura Ross-Paul is an artist, teacher, and arts advocate. She has been painting professionally for more than four decades and has been represented by galleries up and…
ADVOCACY
Laura Ross-Paul’s paintings—particularly her later series pertaining to social activism and advocacy are extremely powerful—and her passion to advocate for women’s rights continues to blaze an influential path.
A breast cancer diagnosis in 2003 left NW painter Laura Ross-Paul with a mastectomy as her only medical option. Her artist’s appreciation of the human form’s beauty instilled a desire to keep her breast and treat her cancer.
Clinically she was Patient #1 for a new form of treatment: cryoablation. Freezing allowed her to both keep her breast and potentially boost her overall immunity.
A growing number of Ross-Paul’s exhibits use imagery inspired by her cancer journey.
For more about her advocacy work click here.
Self Portrait with Blue Orbs, 2003, charcoal and pastel on paper, 24 x 19 in.