OAK & ELEPHANT ART EVENTS: Turning everyday moments into creative stories
OAK & ELEPHANT ART EVENTS
Turning everyday moments into creative stories.
by Danni Murphy
I’d like to introduce Laura Rutter and her enterprise, Oak and Elephant Art Events. Looking to capture everyday memories and see things through a different light, she has started this business with a view of helping people to reconnect with the experience of creating art, without the pressure of perfection, or the fear of not being “arty”, with a relaxed beginner-friendly atmosphere.
“It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, having a go and enjoying the moment.”
“My sketches are about noticing what I find interesting, and capturing just the bits I need “Laura says, “you have to slow down and enjoying looking, it helps to figure out what interests you in life.”
Her work captures moments and landscapes through loose and expressive lines and colour. “Much of my work responds directly to the places and people around me, especially the landscapes and character of Cumbria.”
Her early years involved moving back and forth between Carlisle and Northampton, but her formative years were in Wetheral before moving to Stanwix. After studying at The Cumbria Institute of Art she went to the University of Derby to gain her degree in Visual Communication. She stayed in Derby for several years before the call of the Lakes brought her back North.
Her career path hasn’t been straightforward, trying to balance creative projects and a career working in conferences, a university library and programme support and recently digital support for charities. But now she is looking to bring all that experience together, to build a business around accessible drawing and engaging event activities.
“With the rise of AI and other new technology, I wanted to do something to help people reconnect with their world, without a screen and without being perfect. I started and run the Carlisle Urban Sketchers group in 2023, which has been a big catalyst for me to keep drawing and getting people together to sketch and notice the interesting bits of our city”
Looking ahead, Laura’s next steps are to grow and develop art workshops that put low-pressure sketching and drawing as a tool to explore the world, at the heart of her work. She will also be offering live event illustrations to help capture a different view of events and offer a keepsake for attendees.
www.facebook.com/OakandElephantArtEvents
If you love our magazines, we can now deliver them directly to your door, ensuring you never miss an issue! Subscribe & Save for a guaranteed 12 months of delivery direct to your door!
Share It:
