The Studio
Where materials carry memory.
Laura Clay’s studio practice is grounded in intention, craftsmanship, and cultural connection. Every tool and medium is chosen with care to preserve the integrity of the work and deepen its meaning. From handmade pigments to archival prints, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the materials that shape her art.
Laura creates her own paints using natural, often hand-harvested pigments. Among the most meaningful is cochineal—a rich red derived from insects found on nopal cacti in Mexico. Used for centuries in Indigenous art, cochineal connects her to ancestral traditions and reclaims historical methods in a contemporary context. Each pigment is carefully ground, mixed, and layered to achieve visual depth and conceptual resonance.
Cochineal
Canvas & Paper
Whether building a surface for fluid gradients or fine-line detail, Laura selects high-quality, archival substrates that honor the longevity of the work. Her paintings are created on heavyweight, gallery-wrapped canvas or custom panels; her drawings are made on acid-free, museum-grade cotton rag paper that withstands time and handling. These materials ensure each piece is not only beautiful, but built to last.
Architecture Pens
Precision in every line. Laura’s drawings are rendered with professional-grade architecture, honoring her mother’s career as an architect. These pens are known for their fine, consistent lines and archival ink, allowing for intricate stippling, detailed geometry, and the contrast between control and spontaneity that defines her drawing practice.
