Voices of Creativity
Hear the artist share her journey, challenges, and definitions of success
Laura Anido Serrano
Laura’s art serves as her “second language,” a deeply personal form of communication and self-expression. For her, art goes beyond predefined concepts, emerging naturally from an intuitive creative process. She embraces the flow of inspiration, allowing her ideas to manifest without overcomplication, resulting in works that reflect her inner world. Her paintings and drawings draw inspiration from nature, flora, fauna, and the sensuality of the female form. Often incorporating abstract realities, landscapes, and animals, her work explores the connection between human emotions and the external natural world. Animals frequently serve as symbols of human feelings, bridging the gap between “human nature” and the environment. Laura’s work celebrates life, joy, and the beauty of the natural world. Through her art, she aims to evoke stillness and positive reflection in viewers, encouraging them to reconnect with the vital relationship between humanity and its surroundings. Inspired by Renoir’s belief that art should bring kindness and beauty to the world, Laura strives to create works that radiate warmth, tenderness, and hope.
Laura Anido Serrano: A Journey of Authenticity and Passion
A Lifelong Love for Art
For Laura Anido Serrano, art has always been an essential part of her life. “Every page of paper from a school notebook or even some books with a blank page inspired me to pour all my imagination on them,” she reflects. Growing up in Cuba, Laura’s connection to painting and drawing began at the tender age of four. At twelve, she was accepted into a competitive art school in Holguín, Cuba, where she was one of only twenty selected out of a thousand applicants. This early recognition set the stage for her lifelong commitment to the arts.
Overcoming Challenges: Adapting and Evolving
Laura's artistic journey has not been without its challenges. Her time in art schools, culminating in a degree from Cuba’s Higher Institute of Art, played a key role in shaping her practice. However, one of her most transformative experiences came in 1999, when she relocated to Germany. The cultural shift—encountering a new language, customs, and ways of thinking—was a significant turning point. “It was the beginning of a very intense and interesting period of cultural and personal adaptation,” she recalls. The transition was not easy, but it ultimately helped expand her artistic horizons and deepen her creative expression.
Proud Moments in a Lifelong Career
Among Laura’s most cherished memories is the moment when she was chosen to attend the Higher Institute of Art in Havana. “I filled the entire floor with my drawings and paintings,” she recalls. The teacher who came to review the works was particularly impressed, which filled Laura with immense pride and confirmed her path as an artist. These formative years laid the foundation for the artist she is today.
Artistic Evolution: From Surrealism to Serenity
Laura’s artistic style has evolved significantly over time. Initially influenced by surrealism, she later embraced self-portraiture and the beauty of Art Nouveau, which can be seen in her current work. Her paintings now feature delicate, curved lines and integrate elements of nature—flora and fauna—into her compositions. “There is a lot of tenderness in them, and they are also beautiful,” she says of her current body of work, which she describes as calming, peaceful, and filled with positivity. She is also exploring more abstract expressions while staying connected to the natural world, adding new dimensions to her creative journey.
Overcoming Setbacks and Gaining Strength
Every artist faces setbacks, and for Laura, the ups and downs of her twenties were a time of artistic and personal growth. “The twenties are unique and explosive,” she laughs, acknowledging how challenging those years were. Yet, it was through these experiences that Laura learned valuable lessons, gaining confidence and resilience that she carries with her today. “Every morning when I wake up and look at all my paintings and my atelier, I think that the journey was worth it,” she reflects.
Wisdom for Emerging Artists
Laura believes that consistency and self-authenticity are essential to an artist’s growth. “You must trust in what you do, follow your own steps without being discouraged by others,” she advises. She encourages fellow artists to practice their craft daily, whether through sketching or experimenting with new techniques. “Talent can be lost if you forget these important premises,” she cautions. For Laura, perseverance is key to artistic success, and she urges emerging artists to stay true to their vision, even in the face of uncertainty.
Navigating the Art Market
The art market today is complex and ever-changing, and Laura admits that it can be a source of concern. “I don’t want to go into this subject in a public way, it could hurt some sensitivities,” she shares, acknowledging the challenges artists face in balancing artistic vision with market demands. However, she remains focused on staying true to her inner voice, creating art that brings her joy rather than chasing trends or external validation.
Finding Inspiration in Greats
Laura draws inspiration not only from renowned artists like Marc Chagall, Klimt, and Van Gogh, but also from their humanity. “I don’t admire them only in the pictorial sphere, I go beyond that,” she explains. Her admiration for these artists is rooted in their emotional depth and the love and passion embedded in their work. “If an artist does not possess that ‘aura-soul’ permeated by sensitivity, then he is not a good artist,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of emotional authenticity in art.
Defining Success: A Personal Vision
For Laura, success is deeply personal. “Success is creating regularly, exhibiting often, and being satisfied with the work,” she reflects. Whether or not her paintings sell or garner widespread recognition, the act of creating and feeling fulfillment in her own process is her definition of success. “Success is not only about material achievements. It’s about the joy and meaning that art brings to your life,” she concludes.
Laura Anido Serrano’s artistic journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of authenticity. Her evolving practice and unwavering commitment to staying true to her inner vision serve as an inspiration to artists navigating their own paths. Her work reminds us that art is a personal journey—one that flourishes with patience, authenticity, and dedication.
