The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2025 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Laura Jay
ULERYSunbury Ohio 43074 United StatesHome 280 REINHARD AVE STUDIO B County: Franklin
Columbus Ohio 43074 United States Home Phone: 6144067009 Website: Website
Bio
My work explores the intricate dance between urban environments and nature, capturing their evolution through both painting and photography. Using a vibrant palette, dynamic compositions, and blacklight-reactive paints, I create art that tells two stories—one under natural light and another in the dark—highlighting the tension and harmony between human-made structures and the natural world.
My photography complements this vision, capturing art, music, architectural structures, and landscapes with an eye for storytelling and interconnected themes. Together, these mediums reflect the beauty and complexity of cityscapes and organic landscapes. My creative journey has been shaped by a deep connection to the entertainment industry, which inspires both the content and presentation of my work. From operating a lighting board for off-Broadway productions at age 11 to managing artists full-time since 2000, these experiences have informed my use of light, texture, and dynamic visuals. I studied architecture and modern literature in Columbus, Ohio, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia and Graphic Design from DeVry University, graduating at the top of my class.
I am completing my MFA in Fine Art at Full Sail University, set to graduate in 2025. After overcoming an 18-year creative block at age 50, I rediscovered painting as a form of self-therapy, while my photography remains a vital tool for capturing the beauty of interconnected worlds. Through immersive, multilayered artistic experiences, I strive to celebrate the unity within contrast and inspire others to see the extraordinary in both urban and natural realms.
Artist Statement
My work bridges the dynamic interplay between urban environments and the natural world, capturing their evolution through vibrant paintings and photography. With bold colors, blacklight-reactive paints, and dynamic compositions, I create dual narratives—one under natural light and another in darkness—emphasizing the tension and harmony between human-made structures and organic landscapes. Photography complements my painting practice, documenting art, music, architectural forms, and natural scenes, all with a focus on interconnected themes and storytelling.
A lifelong connection to the entertainment industry profoundly influences my creative approach. From operating lighting boards for off-Broadway productions at age 11 to managing artists full-time, to front of house management for CAPA, these experiences inform my use of light, texture, and visual rhythm. My academic journey, including a background in architecture, modern literature, and a Multimedia Design degree, enriches my exploration of structure and emotion in my art. Rediscovering painting at age 50 after an 18-year creative block transformed my artistic process into a deeply therapeutic act, while photography remains a vital tool for capturing the beauty of interconnected worlds.
Themes of contrast and connection guide my creative vision. Through bold contrasts and layered narratives, I explore the relationship between chaos and order, structure and fluidity, light and shadow. My fascination with blacklight art allows me to uncover hidden worlds within a single piece, inviting viewers to delve into layers of perspective and storytelling. Inspired by artists like Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and C. Wilkinson, as well as the rhythm of music and the interplay of low light, my process is driven by spontaneity, movement, and emotional depth.
For me, art is both a mirror and a window—a way to reflect the complexities of our world while inviting introspection. I aim to create immersive experiences that celebrate the unity within contrast, encouraging others to discover the extraordinary in both urban and natural realms. As an artist, my role is to connect, challenge, and inspire, reminding viewers that creativity knows no age and the power of art lies in its ability to reveal the seen and unseen.