Laurie Mika

Laurie Mika is a mixed media artist, workshop instructor, and author of Mixed Media Mosaics. Over the course of more than two and a half decades, she has cultivated a distinctive and easily recognizable style that blends traditional and modern elements. Laurie's unique approach to art combines her handmade polymer clay tile pieces with an eclectic mix of materials, including beads, jewelry pieces, charms, glass tiles, hand-cast resin pieces, and found objects. This combination of materials has allowed her to create visually rich, textured works that stand out for their intricate detail and vibrant energy. 

Laurie’s art is deeply rooted in exploration and innovation. Her ability to merge diverse materials into cohesive works reflects her belief that art is a journey of constant evolution. This mindset has not only defined her as a creator but also established her as an inspiring and sought-after workshop instructor, guiding others through the process of discovering their artistic voice. The techniques and materials she uses, particularly her pioneering work with polymer clay, have influenced a generation of mixed media artists.

Though Laurie has long been known for her mosaic and assemblage work, she has recently taken her art in a new direction, moving beyond her signature style to explore larger figurative pieces. This new body of work incorporates not only her hallmark polymer clay work but also collage and digital imagery, particularly those generated using artificial intelligence. Her recent artistic evolution reflects her interest in juxtaposing traditional methods with modern technology. These images, often inspired by surrealist art, are transferred onto polymer clay surfaces and then painted over, creating a multi-layered fusion of technology, handcraft, and fine art. This transformation of digital images into tangible, hand-altered pieces gives her work an additional layer of depth, making each creation unique and one-of-a-kind.

Through her continued exploration and willingness to push the boundaries of her art, Laurie Mika exemplifies what it means to be an evolving artist. Her transition from mosaics to larger figurative pieces incorporating AI reflects not only her adaptability but also her desire to challenge the conventions of both art and technology. Whether working with traditional methods or embracing modern digital tools, Laurie’s work continues to inspire and captivate, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of contemporary mixed media art.

In my work, the gilded devotional panels of the past become secular icons imbued with personal narratives. The highly embellished surfaces, including segments of text, form sumptuous tapestries of traditional and modern materials. I often feel like a modern-day alchemist tinkering with the art of the ancients finding magic in combining disparate elements.

As I continue to push the boundaries using polymer clay combined with collage to create mixed-media, figurative works, I find the possibilities endless for my particular brand of story-telling. Through this synthesis of ancient and contemporary influences, my work honors the craftsmanship of the past while creating a narrative that speaks to the present. 

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