Laura Dumm
The Kaleidoscope Tiger
Sponsor: St Clair Superior Development Corp.

I was born, raised and still reside in Cleveland, Ohio. Self taught, I’ve always been interested in art. I married cartoonist/artist Gary Dumm in 1971.  In 1986, after working for various publications, I made the decision to become a freelance graphic artist/illustrator. My freelance business ranges from designing logos, brochures, ads and newsletters to larger jobs such as book production. Being on my own has made it possible for me to be able to paint more.
 My painting style is graphic, patternistic and very colorful; not concerned with realism but concentrating on creating a mood, usually playful, using a bright color pallette. I want to make the viewer smile as they discover all the different patterns and shapes within the animal's portrait from whom I have drawn inspiration. Although the paintings are extremely flat they appear textured, and the more you live with the painting the more you see. 

I live in a  multiple cat household, all rescued strays. They are complex little creatures who inspire me every day. The way they move, think and react can be interpreted in so many ways and styles. Sometimes quiet, then in a second they turn wild!  
In 2003 I had a one woman show titled “A Cats Eye View” at SmarTArt Gallery in Tremont, Oh.  I also collaborate with my husband Gary coloring some of his black & white cartoon projects, including art for Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor. In 2009 Gary and I had a two person show at Arts Collinwood Gallery and earlier this month (February) I had 10 paintings in a show at the Plain Dealer building downtown.

My illustrations have been published in Northern Ohio Live and Cat Fancy magazine. I have designed two graphic novels for Hill and Wang (SDS a Graphic History and The Beats) and one for Warner Brothers Independent Films, entitled “A Scanner Darkly” from the novel by Philip K. Dick, that accompanied the release of the movie version. I do cartoons and illustrations for the e-newsletter The Daily Mews. www.thedailymews.com. 
Below is my online gallery and blog.
http://www.yessy.com/lauradumm