Laurel Foenander

The effects of climate change and bush fires have been a recurring theme throughout Laurel’s career. On Black Saturday, over 20 of her paintings were on display in the Jinks Creek Gallery. They were all reduced to ash.

Despite her disappointment, she says “I was fortunate compared to others. Many people lost their whole houses and farms, I only lost my paintings.” Then in 2022, the extreme opposite occurred, when floods ruined some of her works in a Mornington Peninsula gallery.

The painting that won Laurel the prestigious MSC Maritime Art Award in 2021, is named ‘Lest We Forget.’ She created it as an urgent plea to not ignore the devastation that can result from climate change.

"I painted all the people and animals that I love on a big boat, to rescue them. It was cathartic in a way, to paint them in the darkest and loneliest days of lockdown.”

Laurel’s childhood is filled with fond memories of looking after animals. She lived in Warragul and then on a small farm in Jindivick. Her father was an aviculturist and greatly influenced her curiosity and appreciation for birds.

Laurel studied Art in year 11 and 12 but ironically, her art teacher advised her not to go to art college. “I suppose the sort of art I did was not seen as particularly relevant at the time.” Laurel had a variety of jobs after finishing school. However, she reflects “I always kept getting drawn back to creative projects, whether it was sewing clothes for my children, doing pottery or just drawing.”

When she decided she wanted a portrait done of her daughters, instead of paying someone, she decided to do it herself, so she took a few informal art classes and her passion grew from there.

Gardening is her other passion. “I get outside into my garden as much as I possibly can. When I’m out doing physical work outdoors, my creative ideas come to me and roll around in my head. Then I come inside and spend my afternoons and evenings at the easel. It gives me the perfect balance.”

Laurel’s fondness and love for birds has meant that she has cared for many, where she lives in Longwarry. “If someone finds one on the road, it will often end up here and we look after it until it recovers and can be released.”

“A lot of people don’t notice that birds are incredibly affectionate, social and comical characters.”

Laurel’s husband, Wayne is also a creative soul, a sculptor, art courier and musician. Art is a central part of their day to day lives. In fact, Laurel doesn’t have a separate art studio, instead she paints in a central part of their home.

“I used pastels for many years, then I discovered oils. I absolutely adore the texture of it and I love the texture of birds so my style is very much about incorporating both of these elements into my works.”

“For me, painting is a constructive form of meditation. I’m not saying it’s always easy, but I feel like I get into flow with it. It’s great for my well-being and I’m incredibly fortunate that I can also make a living from it.”

“I hope I will paint until the day I die. That would be my ultimate dream.”

YOU CAN SEE LAUREL’S PAINTINGS AT:

TOWN AND COUNTRY GALLERY, YARRAGON

MINGARA GALLERY, PHILLIP ISLAND

LAUREL’S HOME GALLERY

(Open from 9am—5pm on the first Sunday of each month, except Jan and Feb). This is located across from the Longwarry market. It is also open other times, by appointment.

NISSARANA GALLERIES, RICHMOND & NOOSA

Many of Laurel’s paintings are available as greeting cards and limited-edition prints, which can be purchased through selected galleries or by contacting her.