Laura (Sherlock) Walsh
Hello! I’m Laura, I grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, and have been creating artwork and projects from the time I could hold a crayon. My parents encouraged my problem-solving skills, and her interest in the arts thrived. I studied Art Education at the University of Northern Iowa and taught art for several years to K-8 students. I am now the Director of Christian Education at Westminster. When I’m not at Westminster, I’m at home with her family , creating new projects that include painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, cross-stitch and so much more!
The Gift
Mixed Media
We were asked to create an artwork that reflected our personal faith. My faith is strongly expressed by music and song but those were hard for me to translate into a painting. Instead, I focused on another form, in stained glass.
As a visual learner I have always treasured stained glass windows, especially the vibrant colors. Growing up I went to Holy Trinity in Ankeny where every week for 18 years and I saw a 25 ft. tall stained-glass window. (Image to the right) Fun fact, as a child, for many years I thought that the hands were actually a one eyed monster, finally in 3rd grade I saw the hands.
I chose to take this window and reimagine it in my artistic style. The window depicts the hands of God handing down the cross which is then followed by a dove. In the background I depicted a vibrant sunset that radiates behind the cross. The mountains, grass and river all follow the radiant pattern, like nature follows God's design.
I call this "The Gift" because of the many gifts God have given us. His Son, represented by the cross, the Holy Spirit, depicted by the dove and God's creation shown with the sunset, mountains, green crops and river.
The method used to make this painting is my own invention. It involves using alcohol ink and Elmer's glue. It's called the Alcohol Ink Swirl Technique. Here’s how its done!
Acrylic Painting Class
At Synod School 2024 I will be teaching a class called “Acrylic Painting for all.” The class will focus on basic elements of painting with acrylic as well as tips to successfully create a painting. This image is my sample image from the 2023 class. The 2024 class will have similar if not the same painting as it’s introductory painting. Since we will have more class time this year after participants complete this painting they will have a choice of other topics. For beginners I do not recommend animals or humans as subject matter. Those are challenging for the most talented of painters.
The following are some of my paintings and projects from the past 10 years. I’ve worked with many mediums and used many techniques and I’m always looking to be inspired to make something new!
In the Wind
Acrylic Painting - 36” x 36” - Created for Sanctuary exhibit at Westminster
Our prompt for this project was the Beatitudes. I focused on “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” To create this piece I thought, “What is the most meek or humble item on this planet?” During a walk, a tuft of dandelion fluff passed me by. What could be more humble? A seed taking to the wind, not knowing where it will land - so fragile but so full of potential and life. Even if it grows it is considered a weed and is removed - but still it floats on - determined in its goal of life. In doing so, we are reminded to be strong in the face of uncertainty and adversity, continuing onward to grow in love and faith in God’s great creation.
While I painted countless, tiny, dandelion fluffs, I kept thinking of Luke 12:7: “But even the hairs on your head are all counted.”
Every piece of us matters and is part of this amazing thing we call life.
Together We Shine
Mixed Medium Painting - 36” x 36”
Created for Sanctuary exhibit at Westminster as we returned from Pandemic quarantine.
While we were all separated during the early stages of the pandemic, I thought about what it would be like to be together in person again. I greatly missed the community of our church family. Our church consists of many people who worship and work together to create an amazing community of faith. I was blessed to be able to come into the church weekly to help with the online service. When we returned to the Sanctuary after it was repainted, I saw the Rose Window in the Sanctuary and realized that it was the perfect metaphor for our church community. It consists of many small pieces of glass, worked together to create a beautiful window. The pieces are different sizes, shapes and colors, but each is important to complete the circle. “They were all together in one place…” Acts 2:1. In person or virtually, we remain a church family, working together to fulfill God’s plan.
The painting was created on the canvas and then I used foam core as well as air dry clay to create a three-dimensional aspect. The second image shows part of that process. The third image is of the original window. As I look at again I feel like I should have used more purple in my painting, but then I remembered that the window is dynamic and changing based on the surrounding atmosphere. It’s impossible to get all of the colors correct!
What the World Needs Now
Acrylic Painting - 36” x 36” - Created for Sanctuary exhibit at Westminster
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
The painting depicts a dense forest with rays of sunlight shining through the trees depicting hope. The bright rays of light symbolize God’s power and the potential for growth and renewal, even in the darkest of circumstances. The tops of the trees are lush where the sun has reached them but the absence of grass and life on the ground suggest a sense of darkness and struggle for the areas that have not been exposed to the light.
The tree is used as a symbol of faith, representing the steadfastness and resilience of those who place their trust in God.
The use of color is reminiscent of biblical imagery, particularly the contrast between light and darkness found in the book of Genesis. The bright rays of light symbolize God’s power and the potential for growth and renewal, even in the darkest of circumstances.
Hope Springs Eternal
Acrylic Painting - 36” x 36”
Created for Sanctuary exhibit at Westminster
featuring Mandalas for Lent.
When reflecting on mandalas in the season of Lent I kept finding myself thinking of hope. Hope for the resurrection, hope for the spring to arrive, hope for every person to find a safe and comfortable home.
This work is inspired by the poem by Alexander Pope: Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never is, but always to be blessed: The soul, uneasy and confined from home, Rests and expatiates in a life to come. Psalm 130:7 says, “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.”
In my painting, the outer circle is symbolic of God’s unending steadfast love. The dove and heart in the middle exemplify the Holy Spirit, which is the center of all life. The purple flowers reflect the newness of spring, and the cycles of life; while the colorful points, which comprise a larger flower, denote the “the fullness of life,” still within God’s love and care, with the hope that all people will be safe from adversity.
Cheeseburger Purse
Fully functional purse with 7 different zippered sections. Straps made from “ric-rac” to create mustard and ketchup.
Here are a few of artworks and pieces that I’ve created.
Artist Clock
Wood base sculpted and painted to create paint blobs as well as palette. Fully functional clock. 36 “ wide
Slimer Painting (from 90’s cartoon)
Commissioned for a custom Ghostbusters themed bathroom.