Elizabeth Laul Healey, an American artist deeply dedicated to social activism, is preparing to unveil her latest exhibition at the SD Art Advisory & Gallery. This upcoming showcase examines the intersection of art, politics, and human rights, creating an opportunity for meaningful reflection and dialogue.
Having grown up in Laguna Beach and spent time in San Diego and North Carolina, Healey’s creative journey has been shaped by her unique background. Her mother, Dr. Karen Lundegaard, was a fierce advocate for human rights and women’s empowerment, while her father, Virgil Laul, brought stories of perseverance and displacement as an Estonian immigrant. These influences have inspired Healey to create work that amplifies the voices of the marginalized, challenges societal norms, and serves as a lens through which systemic inequities are exposed. Her art combines visual impact with thoughtful commentary, resonating deeply with the human experience.
Lucca: A Beacon of Positivity
Standing over eight feet tall, Lucca the Positivity Watch Dog is a sculptural work that captures attention with its striking materials and layered symbolism. Healey used reflective glass mirrors, Italian tiles, and various stones and rocks to construct this vibrant piece, which gleams and transforms as light interacts with its surfaces throughout the day.
While Lucca may appear playful at first glance, its design carries profound meaning. The watch collar around his neck is set to 11:11, a time widely associated with unity and global connection. The circular motifs on the collar symbolize the cycle of life, reminding viewers to value love, relationships, and the time we share with those who matter most.
Healey envisions Lucca as more than a sculpture—it’s a statement about hope, protection, and the importance of community. Whether placed in a lush garden, at the entrance to a building, or within a home, the piece serves as both a visual focal point and a source of inspiration.
Currently displayed at Imago Galleries in Palm Desert, California, Lucca is available for $150,000. Collectors interested in personalizing their own version can commission Healey to create a bespoke piece. She can be contacted via her website, www.ElizabethLaulHealey.com, or by phone at (310) 488-1834.
Paloma: A Celebration of Empowerment
Another standout piece in Healey’s portfolio is Paloma the Peace Goddess, a nine-foot-four-inch statue designed to symbolize women’s empowerment and the universal desire for peace. Equally at home indoors or outdoors, Palomaexudes an aura of calm strength and serves as a powerful reminder of unity and equality.
On the back of the sculpture, the words “Imagine Peace” are inscribed, reinforcing its message of hope and the possibility of a better future. The name “Paloma,” which means dove in Spanish, ties the sculpture to the ideas of peace and freedom.
Healey describes Paloma as a tribute to empowerment, designed to inspire reflection on collective strength and the power of imagining a more equitable world. Like Lucca, this work balances visual beauty with profound symbolism, inviting viewers to consider deeper themes while appreciating its craftsmanship.
For more information about Paloma, details are available on Healey’s website, where she shares insights about the piece and her creative process.
Art as Advocacy
Healey’s sculptures are deeply personal yet universally resonant, reflecting her values and the influences of her upbringing. Both Lucca and Paloma embody her commitment to using art as a platform for advocacy, whether by sparking conversations about justice and equity or by encouraging unity and positivity.
Each piece demonstrates Healey’s ability to blend thoughtful symbolism with visual appeal. Lucca invites us to reflect on the connections we share, while Paloma serves as a monument to peace and empowerment. Together, these works highlight Healey’s belief in art as a tool for both personal expression and societal change.
By creating works that challenge norms and uplift marginalized voices, Healey reminds us that art can inspire hope and provoke action. Her work urges us to envision a world built on fairness, compassion, and connection, using creativity as a catalyst for a brighter future.
