“You are the beauty I discovered in the ashes of my grief.” -Laurie Martin

From an early age, Laurie was passionate about art and used art to understand and process the difficulties of life. Even as a child, she had a unique artistic ability and won several awards for her artwork. As an adult, Laurie became a widow and single mother in her 20’s. Though her grief and heart ache she turned to art. Laurie shared her passion for art as an elementary art teacher for several years before graduating from the Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Program and fulfilling her dream of being a full-time professional artist.  

Laurie is not a stranger to the realities of grief as she has loved and lost a husband, as well as several close friends and family members. Laurie’s art is an expression of her innermost battle with grief, with love, and the vulnerability it takes to love again. Through the powerful healing of art and creativity, Laurie has discovered the beauty from the ashes of her pain. The beauty of her ashes is the vulnerability to love deeper, to find peace in the raging storm of emotion, and comfort others around her that morn. Along her journey she discovered that relationship is the treasure of life stating, “You are the beauty I found in the ashes of my grief.” Through all her paintings Laurie incorporates the ashes of letters, past artwork, and meaningful items in her painting to honor those that have gone before her and will forever hold a piece of her heart.  

Empowering women and revealing the beauty of the inner soul of women is the focus of Laurie’s art. The balance in the power and intensity of emotions and passion that coincides with the beauty of gentleness and vulnerability while being present in the moment, is the great mystery and gift that make up the identity of women. Women are truly called to change the world by embracing their identity and beauty. Studio 4596 is Laurie’s art studio surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Studio 4596 is open year-round and is a fulfillment of Laurie’s dream and passion to help other artists discover their divine creativity and partner with heaven to create beauty that will change the world and bring healing to the soul.