Laura Pollak

Continuing in my exploration of gemstones in an abstracted environment, I invite the viewer to decide if it is embedded in rock, or metal? Is it nearby or in space?

While the rafting down the Snake River in Wyoming I caught this scene and wanted to preserve it!

BEHIND THE CURVE we often feel we can never get ahead and always feel behind what needs to be done!

I'm fascinated by geologic formations and unearthing what lies beneath.

On July 4th, we were in Cody Wyoming. We went to see the oldest Rodeo in the country and it was fabulous. As the traffic cleared out it was about 8 pm and the weather was perfect with awesome light. However the traffic leaving the rodeo was awful. We ended up chatting with a young couple that were locals and they too were waiting for the crowds to clear. They lived down the road, knew we were tourists and told us to just head to the other side of the mountain, through the tunnel to see the Reservoir. We were 'game'. Turns out this was designed by a true visionary... Buffalo Bill Cody. This is the Cody Reservoir. It was built in 1910. The town and the dam were named after him. It was soooo beautiful with the last rays of light streaming past the mountains onto the reservoir. CODY RESERVOIR Uart 400 Black. 9 x 12.

CONTAINED is in response to the worst pandemic we've seen since the early 1900's. This painting is one of a series and expresses my hope that this deadly virus will be contained and life could finally get back to normal.

CORE ILLUMINATION is an exploration of space and light. Each person interprets this painting differently. Would love to hear you thoughts.

DISCORD is another in the Covid series. During the difficulties of this frightening time in society, the tensions rose to a crescendo. This painting is 3 dimensional and represents all the different directions we were all going in.

EMERALDS is one of my beginning 'jewel' paintings where I start to explore geologic phenomenons.

GARNET is the third of a triptych exploring abstract shapes and forms with embedded jewels.

This is the full Triptych of the three Jewel Panels- TOPAZ, SAPPHIRE, GARNET.

OPEN TO THE UNIVERSE is an exploration in three dimensional art on several layers. The concept of being fractured but opening to space felt intriguing.

An exploration of texture and space, clarity and depth. Jewels for your walls.

Sapphire is the middle painting of a triptych. The beauty of faceted gemstones is fascinating to me.

From a recent trip to Wyoming and the Snake River we stood at the exact spot that Ansel Adams made his famous photographs.

SUNRISE AT SPRING CREEK RANCH, was one of those lucky moments in time when the earth shared it glory. Opening up the curtains to this view of the Tetons took my breath away!

This painting is part of a Jewel Triptych. Continuing my exploration of the depth and clarity of cut stones.

This painting was inspired by the great architect Frank Gehry. The way he carves space is truly inspiring!