Artistic Odyssey: Laurissa Widrick's Journey from Watertown to the Lewiston Art Festival

Laurissa Widrick's lifelong passion for art has taken her on an extraordinary journey, from her childhood dreams in Watertown to her current role as the featured artist at the prestigious Lewiston Art Festival. This article delves into Widrick's artistic evolution, her unique printmaking process, and her upcoming debut at the renowned festival.

Unlocking the Creative Potential: Laurissa Widrick's Artistic Odyssey

Embracing the Artistic Calling

Laurissa Widrick's artistic journey began at a young age, when she was just 5 years old living in Watertown. Even then, she had a clear vision of her future – to become an artist. Widrick's early years were marked by a deep fascination with drawing and painting, and she found solace in a close-knit group of artistic friends who shared her passion.Initially, Widrick's aspirations were focused on becoming a prop designer for movies, but she soon realized that this path might not align with her true calling. Undeterred, she decided to pursue an art degree, a decision that would ultimately shape the course of her artistic career.

Discovering the Art of Printmaking

Widrick's artistic journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered the art of printmaking during her college years. At first, she was not entirely enamored with the medium, but as she delved deeper into the process, she found a newfound appreciation for its unique qualities."When I graduated, I found it was one of the few (processes) where you don't need a huge setup for," Widrick explained. "A lot of other styles need a printing presser or access to a studio. I've been sticking on that the past two years and I really dug into it."Widrick's dedication to the art of printmaking has paid off, as she has honed her skills and developed a distinct style that has garnered attention within the artistic community.

Settling in Kenmore and Establishing Hodgepodge Press

Widrick's artistic journey took her from her hometown of Watertown to Western New York, where she eventually settled in Kenmore in the fall of 2020 after a backpacking trip in 2019. It was during this time that she established her art brand, Hodgepodge Press, which encompasses a diverse range of artistic mediums, including ceramics, watercolors, graphic design, calligraphy, and even custom wedding invitations.Widrick's creative process involves carving her designs into linoleum blocks, a meticulous and time-consuming task that can take anywhere from two to twelve hours to complete. The printing process, which is primarily done on handmade paper, can take an additional two to three hours.

Connecting with Nature: Widrick's Artistic Inspiration

Widrick's artistic work is heavily influenced by her deep connection with the natural world. She finds inspiration in the scenes and creatures that surround her, often depicting them in her block-printed artwork."I just find a lot of inspiration in nature," Widrick shared. "I spend a lot of time outside, and I find it to be very calming."This affinity for the natural world is evident in Widrick's portfolio, which features a range of nature-inspired designs and animal-centric pieces. Her ability to capture the essence of the natural world through her printmaking has become a hallmark of her artistic style.

Debuting at the Lewiston Art Festival

Widrick's artistic journey has now led her to the prestigious Lewiston Art Festival, where she will be the featured artist for this year's event. This is a significant milestone for the young artist, as she has been attending the festival as a visitor in the past, but this will be her first time showcasing her work at the renowned event.As the featured artist, Widrick will have a dedicated plaque in her booth, and she will be debuting a new piece, "To Have," which will complement her existing nature-inspired works. The Lewiston Council on the Arts Executive Director, Maria Fortuna Dean, expressed her excitement about introducing Widrick to the Western New York community, stating, "We're excited to introduce this talented young artist to the whole Western New York community."For Widrick, this opportunity is a testament to the hard work and dedication she has poured into her craft. "It's nice to be appreciated for the work I do," she said, humbly acknowledging the recognition she has received.The Lewiston Art Festival will take place on August 10th and 11th, providing the perfect platform for Widrick to showcase her unique printmaking skills and captivate the hearts and minds of art enthusiasts from across the region.