Artist Laura Trask likes to paint nostalgic items, like an old Woolworth's storefront.
Photo credit: Casey Donahue

Some artists take their work too seriously. But Laura Trask loves to have fun with her work, and it shows. Her new exhibit at the Noroton Gallery features large colorful pieces such as a painting of suitcases with a detachable magnetic handle.

"I thought, 'What if somebody doesn't want the handle?' Then I realized I could use magnets," she said. "I paint things that I like. Large, in-your-face kind of stuff."

Trask is a mother of two who has lived Darien for the past 13 years. She started studying art for fun at Catholic University of America and now devotes her full time to it, which she loves. "We have a very crazy home, it's terrific," she said. "We get messy and have a lot of fun."

She said she prefers to paint objects, not people. "I like to paint things that will grab people's attention. I love lots of color and big brushstrokes. I love nostalgia, things people forget about." Many of her paintings feature vintage items, such as bikes, typewriter keys and a Woolworth's storefront.

Deb Carrara, owner of the Noroton Gallery, has known Trask for many years and said she was thrilled to invite her to show her art. "We had six paintings of hers that sold right away, so of course we wanted her back," Carrara said. "Her art is very whimsical. She has a great eye for finding something you can really enjoy."

Trask said, "Deb took a chance on me. I'm grateful for such a beautiful space to show my work." She said that she would like to try a series of painting of doors in Darien. "I want to do some offset shots of doors of historic buildings, Town Hall, all the old houses with big knockers."

Have you checked out Laura Trask's art at the Noroton Gallery? Tell us what you think in the comments below. And if you know an artist you think we should profile, send me an email at cdonahue@mainstreetconnect.us.