Denise Laws

For the past decade, Denise Laws has created collages from upcycled foil-lined packaging, transforming food wrappers, beverage pouches, and other single-use materials into hand-sculpted works of art. Through intentional layering, she explores how color, texture, and light create depth and connection. Rooted in repurposing and circular thinking, her work challenges throwaway culture and reveals the value and possibility found in abandoned materials.

This month, we go deeper with Denise on her creativity and its inspirations:

What are your inspirations?

I have a long list of ongoing things that inspire me and continue to shape my perspective. Over the years, inspiration has come from a variety of sources, and

it is a reflective process. I think just living is an inspiration. Allowing me to explore

and be open to visual possibilities. The first person who comes to mind is the late,

great fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood. Her bold approach has deeply

influenced my creative outlook. Not only have I been stirred on many creative levels.

I have several bodies of earlier artworks that incorporate and source images from

her collections. Everything about Vivienne has inspired me to no end; I am moved

and motivated by how fashion and attire have affected me. Other inspirations include: Ruth Asawa, Alexander Calder, 1970's Organic Art, Surrealism/Dada, Feng Shui, Travel, New York City, Nature, and Music.

How do you define creativity?

For as long as I can remember, creativity has played a crucial, fundamental, and impactful role in my everyday life. Engaging in daily activities such as getting dressed, cooking, cleaning, and decorating my home and personal creative spaces enhances my sense of fulfillment. Creativity allows me to generate novel, intangible, and valuable ideas and to work through them with imagination; it is not limited to artistic endeavors; it also includes problem-solving, innovation, and the production of something original and unpredictable.

What role does art have in your life?

Art and art-making have and continue to play a significant role in enhancing the quality of my daily life by providing meaning, emotional connection, and self-discovery. It improves my mental health, fosters my creativity, and helps me appreciate the beauty in everyday experiences. Engaging with art can lead to profound emotional breakthroughs, helping me to process my thoughts and feelings and reducing stress and anxiety. As I mentioned in "define creativity in my life", art encourages problem-solving, a sense of accomplishment, and purpose. It serves as a tool for learning about the world and understanding diverse perspectives.

To learn more about Denise and her work, visit deniselaws.com or visit Denise on Instagram

at @deniselaws.