Photos provided by Lara Plecas. “Native” 6″ x 6″ Mixed Media
1. Who are you and what do you do?
Lara Plecas: I grew up in the Midwest and moved to Phoenix after high school to go to ASU. I studied dance and exercise science. I have been a practicing Massage Therapist since 1997. I also studied yoga at At One back in 2000. I started painting around 2000 and pursued it seriously ever since. I was drawn to the encaustic medium around 2007 and learned to work with the medium from Miles Conrad in Tucson. I’m a mother to a beautiful daughter named Olivia. I enjoy traveling, hiking, practicing yoga and working in the studio.
2. How did you get your start?
I am a self taught painter. I took several art history and drawing classes in college, but at the time I was in love with dance and photography. I almost studied photography in college but thought I was going to end up being a Physical Therapist. I worked in that field during college and grew very bored. I started painting around that time after I went to a party at the house studios in Phoenix. I knew that when I walked into this worn down old house which each room served as a different artist’s studio, that I was home. I started painting there, learning the craft and exploring with paint. I have always held a working studio since then and painting is a big part of my life. I am not sure where my work will take me, but I have a feeling that it will continue to be something that gives me great pleasure throughout life.
“Luteal Phase” 4′ x 4′ Encaustic on panel
3. What inspires you?
Rural landscape, over cast days, music, traveling, the sea, being in nature, seeing art.
4. What do you like about AZ?
I love the geography of Arizona. We live in a very unique place, it is extraordinary! I will never grow tired of exploring the desert.
5. Where can we see you(r) work?
My solo exhibition runs through September in the Shade Gallery at MonOrchid. I will also have a large scale piece in this years Chaos Theory 15 annual group show at Legend City Studios. Please check out my blog.
6. What would you like to accomplish before you die?
I would like to create a large scale permanent public art project.
7. What is your mantra?
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“Pinwheel” 6″ x 6″ Mixed Media
“Autonomy” 24″ x 36″ Paper on panel
“Residual Energy”, Install at Eye Lounge, 2011
“The American Frontier”, 48″ x 96″
A Fond Farewell, Exhibit at Eye Lounge, 2013
“A Fond Farewell I” 24″ x 48″ Encaustic on panel
“Pipeline” 48″ x 96″
