Nancy Staub Laughlin redefines creative expression by merging pastels with photography in her assemblages. Based in New Jersey, her art invites exploration of an intricate world where vibrant color, luminous light, and layered textures come together. Each piece reflects her effort to balance nature’s charm with her unique artistic vision.
Nancy begins her work by arranging still-life compositions that she photographs. These photos become more than inspiration; they’re an integral part of her process, serving as the framework for her pastel creations. Her latest series goes further, embedding the photographs directly into her pastel works. The result is a harmonious combination of mediums, creating art that feels layered and dynamic.
Nancy’s assemblages are as much about process as they are about the finished piece. She skillfully blends the softness of pastels with the precision of photography, crafting works that feel real yet dreamlike. Her approach involves deliberate, detailed steps to create a balance between spontaneity and structure.
This balance is evident in works like The Transition of Spring and The Blossoming of Froth. In The Transition of Spring, a 24×33 piece, Nancy captures the energy and beauty of seasonal change with glowing details that seem to shift with the light. In The Blossoming of Froth, a larger 31×55 assemblage, the intricate strokes of pastel work in harmony with the photographic elements, creating a vibrant celebration of nature.
Nancy’s work thrives on the interplay of light and color. Her pastels glow with an energy that seems to radiate off the surface. By integrating photographs, she introduces layers of texture and dimension, creating a visual experience that draws viewers deeper into her world.
The bold colors in her work contrast with softer tones, creating a rhythm that feels both dynamic and balanced. The photographs embedded in her art enhance this contrast, adding a richness that pastels alone cannot provide. Light plays across her compositions, creating movement and giving her works a luminous quality.
Nancy’s assemblages often bridge the natural and the refined. She draws inspiration from the natural world—flowers, foliage, and other organic forms—but interprets them through a lens of elegance and sparkle. Her art doesn’t merely depict nature; it transforms it, presenting familiar elements with a touch of magic.
Her ability to blend organic forms with a refined aesthetic stems from her strong sense of composition. She knows when to let the photograph dominate and when to allow her pastel strokes to shine. This intuitive balance ensures that her work feels cohesive while remaining rich with contrasts.
Nancy views her art as an opportunity for connection. Her assemblages invite viewers to slow down, explore, and discover. Every layer of her work reveals something new, from the delicate textures of her pastels to the fine details captured in her photographs.
This sense of discovery is a key part of Nancy’s artistic intent. Her art creates a space for reflection, offering a moment of beauty and calm in a fast-paced world. The viewer is encouraged to linger, finding joy not just in the final image but in the thought and care behind its creation.
Nancy Staub Laughlin’s assemblages are more than the sum of their parts. Her ability to seamlessly combine photography and pastels speaks to her dedication to her craft, but it’s her intention behind each piece that truly resonates. Her works are immersive, layered experiences, built on a foundation of experimentation and refinement.
Nancy’s art is a testament to the power of blending disciplines, challenging traditional boundaries to create something truly distinctive. Through her assemblages, she opens a door to her vibrant world, inviting us to step inside and see the interplay of light, texture, and nature in a completely new way. Whether it’s the fresh vitality of spring or the sparkling textures of froth, Nancy’s work leaves a lasting impression, one that calls us back to see it again and again.
