Nicolet Laursen

Ana the no-toed sloth, a children’s book project.

nico — Sun, 06 May 2012 02:10:10 +0000

All of the sloths in Abagullias have three toes, except Ana.
She is the no-toed sloth and this is her story.

Children’s book by Nico on KickStarter

Win a sloth print!

nico — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:00:47 +0000

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A collective unconscious for a troubled mind

nico — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 03:51:15 +0000

Jackson Pollock fought with alcohol abuse and self-destructive behavior. He struggled to communicate his issues with his therapist who suggested he communicate through his art. I can relate to Pollock’s inability to communicate his troubles. As artists and designers, we build our careers by communicating visually. When it comes to verbal communication, we often fumble. Engaging with issues through art can help both the artist and the viewer even if the viewer doesn’t fully understand the meaning of a work of art.

The theory of the collective unconscious came from Carl Jung, a Swiss psychoanalyst. This collective unconscious contained symbols and feelings that had a common association among all humans. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Arshile Gorky and William de Kooning, included such symbols within their paintings to create a psychological effect on the viewers.

Male and Female, by Jackson Pollock showcases this concept. Pollock included symbols inspired by Southwestern Native American art. Native American’s were believed to be more in touch with the collective unconscious. Take a moment to look at this work of art and take note of it’s effect on you.

Jackson Pollock Male and Female 1942 (240 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73 1/4 x 49 in; Philadelphia Museum of Art

Time to dress up that iPhone

nico — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:18:30 +0000

You can purchase this and many other fun prints at my new society6 shop – click here »

The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters

nico — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:58:55 +0000

Sleep. Oh how I love to sleep. A morning when I can feel free to sleep in, is a good morning indeed. Falling asleep and staying asleep have always been a challenge for me. As a kid I used to keep my parents up all night, begging for one more book to be read or story to be told. Now I simply turn to facebook or my other favorite, episodes of the Daily Show. What did people do before the internet?

Francisco Goya depicted reason in a deep slumber in the etching, ”

“.

On first glance, I can relate. Switch those monsters and animals for giant spiders and you would have an etching of one of my sleepless nights. Goya, however, had a much more meaningful purpose for this etching.

Goya was a Spanish artist who primarily painted Rococo portraits. This etching was created later in his career and belonged to a collection of etchings called “Los Caprichos“. All the etchings followed a similar theme. Goya hoped to reawaken reason.

Sex, Love & Art Nouveau

nico — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:40:18 +0000

In High School art class our first project was to create a folder that would hold all our original masterpieces for the year. Our teacher asked us all to paint or draw a replica of a work by a famous artist who inspired us. I remember being so amazed by another student’s folder. The surface was beautiful and it made me want to learn more about her painting.

It’s funny how this was over ten years ago now, but I every time I see this painting it reminds me of that art class, and much like many facets of life—it looks different to me now.

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss 1907-8. Oil on canvas

Gustav Klimt was a pioneer within the Art Nouveau (Sezessionstil) movement in Austria. Within the organic lines and decorative elements you find a couple embraced in a kiss. On first glance you might not notice the tension caused by the woman’s awkward position. Upon further investigation you’ll notice how very close the couple is to the edge of the precipice. The figures themselves are barely visible under the decorative, Art Nouveau elements. You can just barely make out where one starts and the other ends.

It’s as though they have lost themselves in a dangerous kiss.

Letto Design Grand Opening

nico — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:14:34 +0000

Business has really picked up at Letto Design & Nicolet Laursen Art, so it was time to move into my very own office!

Join me for a glass of wine and a nibble of cheese at my new office in the Union Block (Just steps away from the Rose Room and right above Old Chicago). We will be meeting at my office between 5pm-5:30pm. You will get a full tour of all 322 sq ft and there will be a live DJ thanks to Dedicated Servers.

Letto Design Grand Opening
Thursday, Nov. 3rd 5-8pm
720 W Idaho #39 Boise, ID

RSVP on Facebook

See ya there!
-nico

Pura Vida!

nico — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:33:21 +0000

One month long at Thomas Hammer Coffee house in downtown Boise. Come take a moment, buy a cookie and drink some chai… but please don’t feed the monkeys!

For more info, click here »

Is he trying to tell us something?

nico — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:42:35 +0000

Is he trying to tell us something?

Every time I get near the girls I start turning yellow. Sometimes, I hate being an octopus. Sure, when you’re just a larvae, the color changing skin cells are a blast… but once you start dating it becomes just one more obstacle to overcome. I better get out of here before they notice.

12″x23″ pastel on paper.

New postcards available on Etsy

nico — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 05:13:23 +0000

I’ve been adding new postcards daily. These cards are also available at Indie Made.