Born and raised in High Point, North Carolina, I am the oldest of four children. All creative and athletic in our own way. In my late 20’s, I began dabbling in colored pencil and marker creating my own works as a means to open up my creative heart and work through mental blocks in other areas of my life. Art became a tool in dealing with my emotions. A way to express what I couldn’t or shouldn’t say.
In 2005, I started my own company, Lulu and Daisy, specializing in hand-painted key fobs and wine stoppers. I gained national coverage in Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine with my hand-painted wine stoppers. My line was sold at the Atlanta gift market and available throughout the country. Key fobs can still be found in a few niche places in the south.
My artwork has evolved from doodles in colored pencil and marker to still-life in charcoal and pastel landscapes. My love of watercolours has fueled my passion to paint, but I can’t help but love the boldness of acrylics.
“Since I love to be in control, it’s truly the lack of control I like most about watercolour. It pushes me to get outside the box.”
Most of my work in watercolour is influenced by Interior and Exterior Design, with florals popping-up intermittently. My acrylics are influenced by contemporary cityscapes and pop culture. I have also started to develop my illustration skills using markers and colored pencils. With each new piece, my style evolves a little more.
I’m direct. I stand in my truth. I tell it like it is. Life is too short to worry about what someone thinks about me. I have several close friends and a million acquaintances. I love them all.
I’m an early to bed and early to rise kind of person. I’m a homebody but love a fun outing or trip with family and friends. You know when you hear a song that makes you so happy it transports you back to a time in your life when you felt happy and free? My childhood is that place and music is that time machine. I am often inspired by things from my childhood, but more than anything, the soundtrack of my life. I was introduced to music at a young age through my uncles. From the Beatles to the Beach Boys to the Bee Gees to Motown, and everything in between. I listened to it all and was immediately excited by it. Whether it was Girls on the Beach, Barbara Ann, Lovely Rita, or a Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress…..music made my heart sing from a very young age.
Music is a constant in my life and is almost always playing in the background of my day–yes, all day at work and always while I am creating in my studio. I love all genres and each has a special influence on me.
Music and specific memories of my childhood definitely inspire my work. My artwork celebrates my childhood and encourages others to remember their own good times.
I’m married to an incredible man who has taught me how to laugh at myself and have a lot of fun while doing it. He speaks to my inner child and we spend most of our vacations in Orlando. Specifically, Walt Disney World where we are annual passholders. It’s been many years and I’ve yet to tire of it. I only dream about returning one day to never come back! I have two amazing step sons and two wacky dogs and together, we are a family.
Please contact me with any questions at Laurie@LaurieMendenhall.com
All artwork is held under copyright of Zsuzsi Winn Studio, LLC. Images may not be copied or used without written permession.