Laurie Kanyer
Artist Statement: My collages are shines of hope and transformation. They have a strong architectural influence that harken to ancient wonders. They have often been referred to as having a totem-like presence, with layers of hidden and known symbolism.
My love for the triangle, the strongest of all shapes, is prominent in my work. The triangle has ancient origins and represents the magic of “threes”. For me the represent the essence of life. It is the symbol for so many life forces such as body, mind, spirit, or the past, present, future or sun, moon and stars. I begin and end each collage with a triangle. This is an opening and closing ritual to my practice that offers continuity and grounding to each of the works.
In my practice I have a deep commitment to symmetrical compositions. The intent is for the viewer to observe the power and potency of order. These works are visual sanctuaries inviting the viewer to sit and pause—to meditate and reflect. The symmetric nature allow the eyes to penetrate the works. The abundance of detail offers a visual path to ignite curiosity and wonder. Questions of the magnitude of the universe with all its varied detail is an overriding theme.
As a therapist and an educator I used collage as a therapeutic tool with clients and students. I too use collage for its mental health benefits. I am entranced by how collage possessed mystical qualities unlocking the channels of the brain to bring forth potent knowing. My works illustrate true bliss and the power of the subconscious to reveal and uncover truths.
Biography: Laurie Kanyer, MA is an author, publisher, counselor, artist and organizational consultant. She has worked with individuals, families and organizations since 1983. Kanyer holds a Masters degree in Human Development focusing on Infant Mental Health, Childhood Grief and Loss and Organizational Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
She has recently published Collage Care: Transforming Emotions and Life Experiences with Collage (2021), and Collage Care: The Guidebook, Using Collage to Gain Deeper Knowledge and Experiences on Emotions (2022). Kanyer has used collage as a therapeutic tool with her clients and students for decades.
As an artist her works have been exhibited all over the United States. She is known for her mastery in sculptural beadwork, ink on paper and collage. Her artwork is part of a deep and enduring spiritual practice and it is known for its depth and focus on details.
She founded Passport to Parenting, a program associated with Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and was acknowledged by the United Nations for Inspiring Warmheartedness for this program. She founded Growing Capable Parents, a program focusing on the needs of pregnant and parenting women experiencing poverty.
She founded Yakima Light Project, the first non-profit gallery in the downtown core of Yakima Washington. At the time this was one of the most poverty stricken areas in the State of Washington with limited access to the visual arts. In 2015 she received the Washington Museum Association Award of Individual Excellence for this project.
She and her husband Doug have been art collectors since 1978. In 2016 the Kanyers founded The Doug + Laurie Kand Art Collection having dedicated their efforts to collage exclusively. They are one of very few private art collectors in the world focusing solely on collage (see kanyerartcollection.com). They met in college in 1977 and have been married since 1981. They have three grown children, two sons-in-law and and two grandchildren. They live in the high desert region of Central Washington State, USA.
Website: kanyerartcollection.com
Social: @kanyerartcollection | @lauriekanyer
