Laura Bernardeschi Nelson Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom

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As a profound and transformative artist, Laura Bernardeschi Nelson's work reflects a profound personal narrative that is entwined with spiritual awakening and social consciousness. Through her evolving artistic practices, she has not only crafted a unique style but also used art as a form of therapy and activism.

Artistic Journey and Evolution Laura’s artistic career, which began in 2017, was born from a need to heal and express herself after enduring emotional abuse and mental health struggles. Before transitioning into painting, she had a rich career as a life model, actress, and photographer. These professions helped her develop an intuitive understanding of color, light, form, and human expression. Although Laura did not pursue formal art education, her time in London allowed her to access a diverse artistic community and refine her creative voice. Initially drawn to watercolours, Laura's passion shifted to the more intense and vibrant medium of acrylics. This move represented a turning point, as acrylics allowed her to explore bold colour and dynamic composition in ways that connected her to both her inner world and the larger environment. Over time, she incorporated other mediums like markers, oil pastels, and soft pastels, each selected to evoke specific emotional and psychological responses. Her Italian heritage and the influence of masters like Caravaggio shaped her appreciation for dramatic lighting and chiaroscuro, while London’s rich art scene inspired a more global approach, incorporating the works of artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Klimt. As Laura's work evolved, it became more abstract, emotional, and deeply personal, delving into themes of memory, self-identity, and transformation. Art as Therapy and Advocacy For Laura, art is more than just a creative outlet; it is a therapeutic process that has helped her navigate trauma, anxiety, and emotional abuse. Her self-portraits, in particular, become powerful statements of survival, resilience, and self-empowerment. These portraits explore complex emotions such as sadness, confusion, strength, and eventual healing, offering a visual narrative of reclaiming one's voice and identity. In addition to personal healing, Laura’s art is driven by a strong sense of social responsibility. She uses her work to address pressing global issues, particularly environmental concerns like climate change and the degradation of natural ecosystems. Laura’s deep connection to nature is evident in her art, where themes of ecological preservation often intersect with her exploration of personal healing. Her work serves as a call to action, much like Picasso’s "Guernica" did in its time, urging the audience to reflect on and respond to the crisis facing the planet. Personal and Spiritual Philosophy Although Laura does not adhere to a specific religion, she describes herself as deeply spiritual, finding meaning and connection through nature and the arts. Elements like trees, flowers, and the sea feature prominently in her work as symbols of harmony, peace, and natural beauty. Her spiritual practices, often accompanied by New Age music, help her channel energy and focus while painting, deepening the connection between her personal experiences and the artwork she creates. Her belief that art should challenge societal norms and provoke thought is evident in her pieces, which frequently incorporate social commentary. Laura is inspired by artists like Picasso, who used art as a tool for social change, and she carries this philosophy into her own practice, aiming to make art that not only resonates emotionally but also engages the viewer in larger dialogues about the world. Medium and Techniques One of the cornerstones of Laura's work is her commitment to experimentation. She believes that an artist should not be confined to a single medium or style, but instead should explore different methods to understand their full creative potential.

Art exhibitions and art events 2018 • Open studio in Ealing, London, September 2018 • Open studio in Eastcote studio, Swindon, / September 2018 • Exhibition in Mamy Gallery of Swindon, September / December 2018 • Exhibition in Orchard Cafe’, London December 2018 • Art fair in Swindon, Mecca, December 2018 2019 • Exhibition in Art Gallery DU808 in Bristol, June/August 2019 • Open Art 2019 interactive exhibition 2022 • Art gallery Brouhahaart for the online event titled “Pictures at an exhibition ” (September 18–25) with the artwork Music of Universe • Preselected by D31 Art gallery for the picture in black and white titled “The nostalgic Viking,” October 2022 2023 • Open Gallery art gallery, Halifax selected with the picture on canvas Winter reflections , January 2023 • Cista Art , London, selected for the virtual exhibition Deep in thought , February 2023, with the artworks Sunset of northumberland and The Secrets behind the Tree • We, the human , Onca Gallery , Brighton , February 2023 • Grief letter, ongoing community project , UK 2023 • Collect Art , City: Tbilisi, Georgia , February2023, with the artworks Love of my life and The Big Brother love • Accepted for a solo exhibition December 2023 NTKO Art Gallery, UK • Chinwe Russell Art Gallery, London for the art auction and exhibition Artists on the rise with the painting titled Waterfalls and the painting titled Colours of Northumberland , March 2023 • Online art exhibition The Flux Review: Creative mind , March 2023 • Poetry makes me smile. Venue: The Gallery, Shipley Underground Market, March 2023 • “Humans and the Environment ” with the artwork titled Questions by Cista Art gallery, London, with the painting Questions , March 2023 • Chinwe Russell Art Gallery with the painting titled Secret Knowledge , Artists on the Rise April 2023 , Auction and online exhibition • Open Gallery , Halifax, with the artwork titled The eyes of mother nature , April 2023 • Self-portrait makes me smile with the artwork titled Chaos. Venue: The Gallery, Shipley , April 2023 • Haus_a_rest gallery for the online event titled Alter Ego , May 2023, with the painting titled Chaos • the art gallery Brouhahaart for the online event titled “Women , Only,” May 2023, with the artworks Hippie urban Jungle girl and Women Power • “The time of Her Life III ” by The House of Smalls Art Gallery, Chipping Camden, UK, with the artwork titled “Women Power “ • Positive Vibes Only Meta Space Gallery, Liverpool, UK, with the artwork titled Treats from July 1 to July 31, 2023 • received a certificate of Artistic merit By the International Exhibition Nature, hosted by Barbagelata Contemporary Art Foundation , Barcelona, Spain , July 30 – August 18th , 2023, with the artwork titled ” We belong to the ocean,“ • Shades of Red organised by Fox Yard Studio – Art Gallery, Suffolk, with the artwork Magma 11/31st August • Flare by Circular Art Space in Bristol from August 21/08 to September 13/09 with artworks titled 1) Season, 2) Hippie Urban Jungle Girl, and 3) The Origins • Heat by Rubture XIBIT STUDIO , London, from 22 to 26 August, with the artwork Hot Derriere • The Holy art Fair , London, from September 8–17, with the artwork titled Sunset of Northumberland • Certificate of participation with the artwork : The Secret behind the tree , by ARTBOX . PROJECT ZURICH and shown at the SWISSARTEXPO 6TH–10TH September • Fronteer art, Orchard Square , Sheffield, from September 19th to October 6th, with the artwork titled Spring Rebirth • open call 30days@30artists by Meta Space Art gallery , Merseyside , UK, from September 1st to 30th, with the artwork titled Questions • Selected for Missives: Open Call Venue: Platforms Project 2023, Technopolis, City: Athens | Country: Greece, from October 26th to 28th • Magic + Miracles Exhibition Venue: Kreiva Gallery | City: Bridlington | Country: United Kingdom with the artwork titled Music of Universe November 2023 2024 • Abstraction online exhibition in Dresda, Germany, February 2024 • Circular Art Space , Bristol, Group exhibition from 2nd to 28th February • The Virtual Exhibition of Abstract Art, in aid of the Alzheimer society , by the online Art Gallery SW with the following paintings and drawings is part of the series titled Aliens, March 2024 • Accepted by the jury for the Artbox project Venezia 2024 from 10th to 30th April with Sunset of Northumberland • Nature’s Canvas: Exploring the Diversity and Beauty of the Natural World | April 2024 | Cista Arts with the drawing Spring, in mixed media • published on ArtistColeup on 10th April talking in their blog about my art and creative process https://www.artistcloseup.com/blog/interview-laura-bernardeschi • Part Feline-Thropic' at Redcar Palace from 11 May to 30 June • Global Grassroots Arts Event, Blue Planet, with the artwork Maelstrom • Arts to Heart Certificate of Participation 2024 • Seascape , Tiblisi , Georgia, June 2024 with the artwork We belong to the Ocean • Creatively improving mental health Fundraiser! Exhibition, Charity Gala & Art Auction, Chilli studio Newcastle • Published by Odyssey Global Media Blue Planet July 2024 • Published by Collect Art Seascapes, August 2024 • Featured artist on Itisliquid 27th August • Published by Artist Closeup , September 2024 • Vogue organised by Bloomer art gallery , London, September 2024 • NewBridge Project Newcastle upon tyne from 20th September to 9th November • Certificate of Participation for the Global Blue Planet Art Digital Exhibition • Certificate of participation by Casa del Arte , Palma di Maiorca , October 2024 • Accepted for the art auction by Chinwe Russell art gallery with the artwork Planet Earth on Fire, November 2024