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works on paper
mixed media analog collage art
Meet the Artist
Hi, I’m Laura, and I am a mixed media analog collage artist. I work with secondhand paper-based ephemera to craft complex, layered compositions that are highly unified in colour and concept. My finished works read more like traditional paintings, rather than the abstract style found most often in the collage medium.
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Laura Iseley (American, b. 1998) is a mixed media analog collage artist who fuses classical influences with contemporary themes, creating intricate, paper-based compositions in a painterly style.
Originally from Mebane, North Carolina, she earned a B.A. in Biology with a Minor in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where hercollage practice formally began.
Iseley’s collages often employ vintage imagery and found materials to create complex scenes reminiscent of Renaissance works, blending traditional motifs with modern sensibilities to recontextualize historical imagery.
Iseley’s artistic achievements include participation in juried exhibitions such as Paper Trails at the Athenaeum in Philadelphia and earning recognition as a runner-up in Contemporary Collage Magazine’s "Innovation" award category with her piece “How the Sausage is Made”. Her work has been showcased in group exhibitions across the United States, including at artist-run galleries and cultural venues such as The Oculus at the World Trade Center in New York City.
In 2024, Iseley received South Arts’ Individual Artist Career Opportunity Grant and participated in Kolaj Institute’s Collage Artist Residency in Scotland. Her commissioned projects range from book covers (No Legacy So Rich) to short films (Wokman).
Most recently, she completed a piece for auction at the upcoming Midori & Friends charity gala in New York City, supporting music programs in underserved communities.
With a dedicated following on Instagram and TikTok (@collagebylaura and @iseleylaura), Iseley shares her artistic process and creative journey, often gaining attention for her meticulous methods and resourceful approach.
She continues to live and work between North Carolina and New York City.
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My work as a collage artist centers on the transformation of paper-based ephemera into complex, painterly compositions that explore themes of femininity, whimsy, and play through the recontextualization of historical imagery and their narratives.
This approach involves meticulously assembling fragments of ephemera—vintage books, magazines, pressed flowers, and other materials— to craft compositions that echo the depth and complexity of traditional painting. My work transforms these disparate elements into unified pieces, imbued with layers of meaning and emotional resonance.
Thematically, I aim to reclaim the divine feminine from traditional “muse” portrayals shaped by the male gaze, offering instead a celebration of femininity as a source of strength and admiration.
Layering imagery to achieve depth and unity, each piece is carefully crafted to evoke both nostalgia, an aura of whimsy, and a critical engagement with gender roles.
In a world dominated by mass production and consumerism, my work also emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and the tactile nature of art. By working with physical materials and creating pieces by hand, I seek to honor the value of time-intensive processes and the beauty of resourcefulness.
My goal is to bridge the past and present, creating works that resonate both visually and thematically with modern audiences while maintaining a deep connection to traditional composition. Each piece invites viewers to explore the layers of narrative and meaning embedded within, offering a fresh perspective on the beauty of the handmade and the enduring power of storytelling through art.
collage-gone-viral
I love sharing the creative process behind my collage art with my online community. Some of my favorite moments have gone viral, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how each piece comes together—from the initial concept to the final layers of paper and texture. These behind-the-scenes clips have resonated with viewers, offering insight into the time, care, and creativity that go into each piece. I love connecting with others through these videos and hope they inspire as much as they entertain
For me, the making-of videos are just as important as the final artwork. I see the presentation of the process as an art form in itself, where editing style and song choices are carefully selected to enhance the meaning behind each piece. These videos don’t just show how I create—they help tell the story behind the work, blending visuals, music, and creativity into a narrative. Sharing this journey with my community is a way to invite others into the art, where the process is as much a part of the story as the finished piece.
Now On View
Alamance Arts
“Winter Blues”
Victorian Frost & Wintry Gothic
Feb. 11th thru March 21st
Graham, NC
collage commissions
Hi there! And thank you so much for your interest in a custom collage by me. Please fill out this form so that I can get you a project quote. I can’t wait to bring your vision to life. :-)
