Brooklyn-born painter, Laura Waller divides her studio practice between Florida and the Maine coast. Concurrent with studies at Tulane University in sociology, psychology, and social work, Waller developed a passion for art and art history. After receiving her master’s degree, she was a professional therapist for eleven years, then earned her CFP designation and founded Waller & Wax Advisors in Tampa, FL. During her thirty-year career in finance, Waller continued her independent art studies and in 2012, began her professional studio practice as a full-time painter. Artist Statement for "Scenes on a Life" Series: It often feels as if we are alone in the universe. And then, a conversation between two that flowsto a deeper level, changes that. Suddenly, the world around us becomes enchanted and, for abrief time, infused with color. My latest work examines small vs. large in today's world. I let myemotions and the cacophony of sounds out there choose the colors. The results to me reflect thewords of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.: "Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Donot let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest ofthe world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place." Embedded in my paintings are individuals, small but strong against the vastness of theirenvironment and the Hebrew word for peace. The former encapsulates the optimism of theVonnegut quote; the latter represents my fervent wish for all of us.