Laura Stowers: Art In Motion

Walking into Laura’s studio, you feel an overwhelming sense of joy and serenity. There is a distinct energy of love that has pervaded the space—a love that Laura has for art, for her work, and for life itself. Someone said once that people will forget what you say but never how you made them feel. Laura embodies this. She pays close attention to everyone she interacts with, whether on social media, at her exhibitions, or, as I experienced, in her studio.

Laura is a London-based artist who previously worked in finance after graduating. Now married with two children, she recalls that even when she took a break from painting, she would return to it in times of emotional upheaval. When she gave up drinking, painting became a crucial part of her journey. For Laura, painting is more than a practice—it is a meditation, a constant through every stage of life.

Her versatility and vibrant personality shine through in her work. It’s difficult to pin her down to a single style; she layers multiple techniques to create depth and detail. Abstraction, expressionism, and street art all blend together, forming intricate compositions that she completes with her signature symbols—each carrying a distinct message. Laura’s approach to art is playful, genuine, and deeply authentic. Many people can paint, but not everyone is an artist. Laura is both—she has the skill, the vision, and the creative power.

For Valentine’s Day, Laura is launching an exciting new campaign: #YouMakeMyHeARTMelt. She has wrapped an ice cream van in her latest Valentine’s-themed print and will be driving around London, serving red ice cream in custom-designed cups.

“It’s all about spreading love and giving back to people,” she says. “I want to brighten their day, to give them an emotion. We’re no longer used to random acts of kindness, but even a brief moment of connection can change someone’s day.”

Beyond the sentiment, this campaign is also about bringing art into unexpected spaces. “We often have to step into a gallery to experience art, but that can feel intimidating or like too much effort in our busy lives. I want my work to be accessible to everyone—to show that art isn’t just something to be hung on a wall.”

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere. I believe life itself is art—our conversation right now is art. The way someone styles an outfit, the choices we make every day—there’s artistry in all of it.

A lot of my ideas come when I run in the mornings, lost in music. That time alone is vital for me. For instance, I had a conversation with someone about playing cards—it had been on my mind for over a year. I painted a piece with a playing card in it, then wrote a love poem for my daughter. That poem sparked something, and suddenly, I was in a creative flow. I went to my studio and began developing an entire collection and campaign around it.

How does your creative process work?

I once read a quote: “If you can’t control your first thought, you can control the second.” That stuck with me. I try to maintain a positive mindset, and I’ve found that life is too short for negativity. Keeping a gratitude journal helps me focus on the good.

Each morning, I read the news, then open Instagram—my feed is full of inspiring quotes that help kickstart my creativity. I put the kettle on, start sketching, and write in my journal. I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, which introduced me to the idea of morning pages. That ritual has become a key part of my process.

Then, I head to my studio—my sanctuary. Once I start a piece, I can’t rest until it’s finished. It’s an emotional process. I can sense when something is missing, and I won’t stop until it feels complete. My favourite painting, for example, sat untouched for a year. To others, it looked finished, but I knew it wasn’t. Months later, I painted over it, and at that moment, I knew it was ready. It’s an unexplainable feeling.

What challenges have you faced as an artist?

One thing I’ve learned is that as an artist, you must believe in your vision. I make sure to do one thing every day that moves me closer to my goals.

For a long time, I hadn’t used my maiden name. But when I signed my work as Laura Stowers, it felt like a declaration—this was something I was finally doing for myself. My husband once asked me, “What’s stopping you from being an artist?” I realised that fear was the only thing holding me back. Now, I trust my vision, take small steps every day, and push forward—even when my mind is running a million miles an hour.

Motherhood and Career—How Do You Balance Both?

Life changes drastically when you have children. Suddenly, there’s so much more to consider. I love my children deeply, and everything I do is for them, but I also want them to see their mum as strong.

I strive to be the mother I wanted them to have. And for me, that means fulfilling my purpose. If I weren’t doing that, I wouldn’t be the best version of myself. Juggling everything isn’t easy, but I want them to be proud of me, just as I am endlessly proud of them.

What are the challenges for independent artists?

The art world can be tough, and staying relevant is a constant challenge—especially in the age of social media. There’s this relentless pressure to always be doing something, when in reality, creativity often needs space, stillness, and time to breathe.

For me, networking has been crucial. It’s not just about making connections—it’s about nurturing them. When I launch a new campaign, I include people who inspire me. I send out personalised, beautifully packaged gifts because, in a world of digital interactions, receiving something handwritten and thoughtful feels special.

Social media has made it possible to connect with people in ways that once required being represented by a gallery. But building meaningful connections takes patience and care.

Your social media is beautifully curated. How did you develop that, and how important is it for an artist today?

As an independent artist, you need to stay on people’s radar. Social media has allowed my network to grow organically.

For example, on International Women’s Day, I shared a campaign featuring a painting of an abstract woman. A woman at a gallery held the piece in front of her chest, and that moment sparked my Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. Women in Art put me in touch with the Pink Ribbon Foundation, and from there, the campaign took off.

Social media is a powerful tool, but it can also be overwhelming. It often feels like a full-time job, and I’d love to have help with it. Like it or not, it’s where most people get their information—it’s a window into the world, and for an independent artist, it’s an essential platform.

How do you develop a campaign or collection?

My Women’s Day campaign last March led to a project that officially launched in October. It lasted a full month, and its relevance continues—now, the first week of every month is dedicated to it.

I believe in the power of art to raise awareness for important causes. In today’s fast-paced world, we rarely pause. But if art can make someone stop—even for a few minutes—to reflect on something they’d otherwise overlook, then it has done its job.

I also love presenting art in unconventional ways, outside of traditional galleries. That’s exactly what my Valentine’s Day campaign is about. It all ties back to connection, gratitude, and making people feel something. Because when you connect with someone, even for a moment, you can change their entire day.

Laura’s #YouMakeMyHeARTMelt ice-cream van will stop at key London landmarks and streets, so keep an eye out and spread the love.