Exploring Graphic Landscapes: A Conversation with Laura Bifano
Raised in the picturesque landscapes of British Columbia, Laura Bifano embarked on her artistic journey after studying at the Alberta College of Art and Design. With a versatile background as a concept artist, storyboard artist, and editorial illustrator, Bifano draws inspiration from the local mountain ranges, aiming to encapsulate the experience of navigating these terrains as a fragile human being.
Bridging Art and Community: PARKWAY Initiative
Laura Bifano is among the ten selected artists participating in the community-driven PARKWAY project by BlueSky Properties in Downtown Surrey. PARKWAY endeavors to breathe life into the Surrey community, recognizing the pivotal role of art and culture in fostering vibrancy and connectivity. Through their new sales center, the project showcases art and artists influenced by the rich tapestry of British Columbia.
Booooooom: How would you describe your work to someone unfamiliar with it?
Laura Bifano: Describing my work can be a challenge, but I’d say it’s a blend of graphic landscapes with a digital aesthetic that retains a tactile quality. Think of stylized nature scenes crafted from blobs and angular shapes.
Navigating the Artistic Journey
Booooooom: What drives you to create?
Laura Bifano: For me, creating art is akin to having a conversation with oneself. It’s a continual exchange of questions and answers that culminate in a finished piece. Sometimes it’s a grounding experience, allowing me to connect with my inner self, while other times it feels like grappling with self-doubt and anxiety. Deadlines often serve as a motivator. I find myself most inspired during hikes, where I can leisurely work on pieces in a low-pressure environment.
Unveiling Artistic Creations
Booooooom: Can you share insights into a couple of artworks we acquired for the space?
Laura Bifano: “Bugaboos” and “Tusk Ridge” were both part of my 2018 solo exhibition titled “Altars” at Kafka’s. “Bugaboos” particularly stands out as the centerpiece of the show, representing one of my largest endeavors to date. Both pieces explore the interplay between stone and sky, capturing the essence of these majestic massifs and their ability to shape their own weather patterns.
Drawing Inspiration from BC’s Bounty
Booooooom: How has living in British Columbia influenced your artistic expression?
Laura Bifano: BC has been an abundant source of inspiration for me. Growing up here, I didn’t fully appreciate the natural beauty until I ventured elsewhere for college. Returning to BC, I found myself deeply connected to the landscape. Vancouver, in particular, has been pivotal in my journey, serving as the backdrop for personal growth and artistic exploration. A pivotal moment occurred during a road trip through the interior, where I felt compelled to paint landscapes.
Nurturing Artistic Connections
Booooooom: In today’s digital age, how important is it for you to engage with the local arts community?
Laura Bifano: Engaging with the local arts community remains paramount, even amidst virtual landscapes. While COVID has disrupted these interactions, I prioritize staying connected with friends in BC. Moving to a new city amid the pandemic has been challenging, but I find solace in tactile creative pursuits, like making clothes, to balance the digital fatigue.
Aspirations for the Future
Booooooom: What’s a goal you hope to achieve in the coming year?
Laura Bifano: Having accomplished my initial goals of completing a solo show and purchasing a home, my focus now shifts to settling into a rhythm of creative exploration and personal rejuvenation. I aspire to delve into more unstructured and experimental work, allowing my creativity to flow freely.
Dreams on the Horizon
Booooooom: Lastly, what’s one lifelong aspiration you hold?
Laura Bifano: It’s a dream of mine to embark on an expedition-style journey to document landscapes, culminating in a solo exhibition. While Baffin Island remains a cherished destination, the prospect of encountering polar bears fills me with trepidation. Professionally, I aspire to art direct a feature film, a testament to my enduring passion for visual storytelling.
