A Vivid Life

July 15, 2016

Painter Laura Crabtree Hollenbeck opened her own gallery on Union Street in Traverse City in April and is quite happy with its momentum.

“At first, people sort of trickled in, and we spent time getting the inventory built up, but the pace is picking up nicely now,” said the Illinois native who moved to Traverse City in 2013. Hollenbeck’s paintings, as well as the color pencil drawings and ceramics by her husband, Arnie, fill much of the gallery. It’s a comfy space for painting, teaching art, inspiring viewers, and sharing ideas, music and creativity.

Over the years Hollenbeck has worked in watercolors, acrylics, pottery and other media. Now she focuses on oil pastels to create her vivid still lifes, colorful floral scenes and realistic portraits — much of it created after she overcame a serious health threat.

HOW I GOT STARTED

At five years old or so, my parents frequently entertained for business. To keep me occupied during long restaurant dinners, unbeknownst to me, my dad paid the waiters to buy my tiny watercolors. So I would paint the night away. After that I simply drew everything — you name it. [While I was in] grade school, my mother found an artist who taught oil painting in her basement. She had us copy master works or her work. This gave birth to an obsession with all art mediums and supplies, which continues.

THE STORY BEHIND MY ART, MY INSPIRATION

A desire to capture things. In a portrait, human or animal, I strive to “get it,” to portray the beauty of something I am passionate about. And that might need explanation, but then, maybe not — it’s always in the eye of the beholder. There is always a story behind what may appear to be a simple pile of apples. I’m inspired by not only what I might feel passionate about, but perhaps someone else’s passion.

Anywhere from a beloved lost pet to a cause, charity, or perhaps a college class taught by one.

YOU WON’T BELIEVE

A little over four years ago, I woke up from what was diagnosed as a terminal coma after brain aneurysm surgery. To survive that and paint my way into an international acrylic competition — and make the cover of its publication within the first year?

And then to have a kind gallery get my work out there and help me into ArtPrize shortly after … well, I still can’t believe it. I found out last summer that I have been experiencing blinding simple seizures since that surgery. Epilepsy is often a result of brain lesions. The seizure meds since have made painting a dream compared to the intense labor I’d been struggling with. Plein air and large paintings are now an option again, and I am thrilled.

Another thing — I once won a chemistry award in college. I was the only woman in the class.

WORK I’M MOST PROUD OF

Most recently, I love the rescued animals that I’ve painted from Black Sheep Crossing in Northport. But [my] ArtPrize 2013 entry was a very big deal for me. The farmers of the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market in Grand Rapids taught me so much about sustainable agriculture. They changed my life and, for the most part, how I eat. They were my friends when I couldn’t drive and while I was in the early stages of recovery from the surgery. It was wonderful to have an opportunity to showcase my reverence for what they work so hard to do on display in DeVos Place. [My painting] is on display there in Grand Rapids. They brought their families to see their portraits. I’m told they were quite proud and emotional. To make them that happy, well, that’s what it’s all about for me.

MY FAVORITE ARTIST

I don’t have just one. I admire all who master their creative paths, even if by accident. And it doesn’t have to be the way I paint. I am amazed by centuries of art. Most recently I have found Northport artist Gene Rantz fascinating. Of course his work is incredible… yet he still makes the time and considerate effort to be interested in others’ work, to offer insight and show respect, appreciation. His integrity for fellow artists and dedication to keeping the artist community alive for a very long time is admirable, in my opinion. He has been very kind to me and those close to me.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING YOUNG ARTISTS

Study everything. And never stop. Find inspiration in what you learn. Take classes, find your passions. Don’t limit yourself. Have an open mind and heart. If people are unkind, judgmental or shun you — use them as examples of how you never want to be to someone else. Wake up every morning and love yourself, your life, and be happy — life is short.

MY WORK CAN BE SEEN/PURCHASED

At the Crabtree Art Gallery & Social Studio at 126 S. Union St. in Traverse City, on the gallery Facebook page, or at lauracrabtreehollenbeck.com and crabtreeart.org.