With over twenty years of experience, I have taught at all levels in a wide range of programs including The School at the International Center of Photography, Mason Gross School of the Art at Rutgers University, Ohio University, and Bard MFA. In my teaching, I center the relationship between ideas and their applications, focusing on the fertile relationship between rigorous craft and the risks of experimentation. My classes offer responsive critique with an eye to the continuity of a practice while considering directions for experimentation, growth, and research. I see my experiences as an artist, teacher, and citizen as intertwined and I am committed to equity and justice within a supportive learning environment.
testimonials
I started this class with a lot of fear and insecurity but also a strong desire to develop my voice as a writer. With Laura's lectures and assignments, I came out of this class with a true love of writing. I now approach the image/text relationship with curiosity, confidence, and excitement.
Whitney Hubbs, Artist, Associate Director of Lightwork
Having Laura as a mentor has been one of the highlights of my educational experience. She introduced me to so many artists and ideas that have become rooted in the structure and methodology of my practice and teaching. Her curiosity and openness, her humanness and deep love for looking closely at histories that defy easy rationalization allows for a different type of learning to take place. Laura’s interests are broad yet come from an intensely cultivated perspective. She opens up many points of access for individuals to develop their artworks while championing and highlighting each individual’s desires and goals. Her mentorship is inclusive of conceptual, formal and technical methodologies which she incorporates seamlessly into each project, allowing participants to materially resolve the work at hand and leave with an abundance of ideas for future work.
Tannaz Farsi, Artist, Professor of Sculpture, University of Oregon
Laura has the unique ability as an educator to provide insight that not only opens up the possibilities of one’s work but expands and enriches one’s perspective of the world through photography’s potential. Her vast knowledge of photographic history, contemporary practice, literature, and intersecting subjects are an invaluable resource, which she deftly applies through thoughtful, individualized feedback. The lessons taken from Laura’s courses, both art-related and not, have always been something I find myself going back to over and over again as I make work and develop courses myself, attempting to replicate her characteristic balance of a supportive yet rigorous learning environment. She is one of those people who can’t help but profoundly impact every student who has the opportunity to work with her.
Elisa Gabor Smith, Co-Founder and Co-Director, The Center for Print and Collaborative Arts
One on one mentoring
I work with artists and writers for critique and professional development. Whether for one meeting or a series, I can provide project feedback, tailor assignments, and suggest paths of research. If you’re interested, please contact me here.