by Dennis Taylor

article was published in the August 20, 2021 edition, page 21A, of the Carmel Pine Cone

For an artist, the mojo waits in a hideaway called “the zone,” a haven where the mind relaxes, focus sharpens, and symbiotic colors, shapes, and ideas magically find each other.

Laura Crystina Alexander, still recovering from a 2017 neck injury, has discovered that her “zone” also can be a place where her pain diminishes and depression lifts.

She celebrates that epiphany through the vibrant, uplifting colors she uses, along with the inspirational thoughts she includes in much of her work.

“Because of the pain I was in, I just stopped doing anything creative,” said Alexander, who had limited mobility in her neck for several months after damaging her C5 and C6 vertebrae. “But I finally decided that I needed to bring some joy back into my life, and that’s when I slowly started to paint again, one step at a time.”

Art as therapy

To her surprise, the art became therapy, emotional and physical, that helped her cope with an injury that’s been slow to heal.

“The pain is still there – I’m aware of it on some level as I paint – but I get so focused on what I’m doing that it helps me put it out of my head.”

In fact, art therapy has become a common treatment in recent years for the management of chronic pain, effectively teaching the sufferer how to relax and improve a mood – something Alexander discovered on her own. That life-altering effect is something she tries to share through her paintings.

“My art literally evolved out of pain and depression. I’m normally a joyful person, but the injury just sunk me into the depths, and I knew I needed something to bring myself out of that,” said Alexander, who also practices yoga and meditation as therapy. “I’ve learned to use art to lift my spirits and make myself more buoyant.”

Inspirational messages

Alexander’s brightly-colored series of acrylic paintings carry inspirational messages to the viewer, such as: “Love is the Answer” … “We Are All Made of Light” … “Anticipate the Miraculous” … “We Are One,” and many others.

Her positive outlook also is a likely reason she was among 10 locally-connected artists selected to participate in “Heart of Carmel,” a fundraising exhibit sponsored by the Carmel Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Carmel professional development program.

Each artist was asked to transform gessoed, three-dimensional fiberglass hearts, 52-by-52-by-12 inches, into works of art, using acrylic paints.

Each heart has been on public display throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea since June 28, and will be auctioned online Aug. 19-26. Proceeds from the auction will fund scholarships for students and young community leaders through the Carmel Women’s Club and the Carmel Chamber Foundation.

Alexander’s heart, currently displayed outside Harrison Memorial Library (Ocean Ave. and Lincoln St.), is adorned with the words “Love is the Answer” on one side, “Be Kind, Be Loving” on the other.

Selfie-worthy

“I can’t even describe how wonderful it’s made me feel to see so many people stopping to have their photos taken in front of my heart, saying, ‘I really love this!’” she said. “I actually got a call from a couple who saw the heart over the weekend, loved it, and wanted one of their own.”

Alexander’s father, Antonio Costanza (who died in 1969), was a first-generation Monterey Bay fisherman who came to the U.S. as a 17-year-old. Her mother, Josephine (who passed in 1988), owned a women’s clothing shop on Alvarado Street in Monterey.

After graduating from Monterey High, Laura earned a degree in Italian Language and Literature from UC Santa Barbara, aspiring to move to Italy to explore her Italian heritage.

But a deep interest in art and design took her instead to West Valley College, then to San Jose State University, to study Interior Design.

“I didn’t get the chance to complete my studies at San Jose State because my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and I decided to move home to take care of her,” said Alexander, who, when her mother passed away, enrolled in the two-year certificate program at Monterey Peninsula College.

Studying with Lupetti

She found work with a Carmel design firm, which happened to be next door to the studio of renowned artist Roberto Lupetti, who accepted Alexander as a student.

“He was such a nice guy – so intelligent, with an incredible sense of humor – and unbelievably talented. I learned a lot from him, but his style (photorealism) wasn’t really mine,” she said.

While working in interior design in Carmel, she also began designing jewelry.

That hobby became a business in 2004 after Alexander moved to Naples, Fla., where she began doing jewelry shows at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The new venture blossomed quickly. 

“I wound up with two manufacturing teams, three national sales reps, and two part-time assistants, and was going back and forth between Florida and New York,” she said.

In 2010, Alexander was voted one of eight “Rising Stars in the U.S.” at the JCK (Jewelers Circular Keystone) Show in Las Vegas, but she tired of the business, which was a large financial investment, returned to California in 2011, and returned to Carmel in 2013. (She resides nowadays within walking distance of The Crossroads.)

Originals, giclees, prints

In addition to original, acrylic paintings, Alexander’s art also may be purchased as a giclee, or as art-on-metal prints.

“My art is very contemporary, fresh, and fun, and my themes are centered around love, unity, and connectedness,” she said.

Images of her work, and additional information about the artist, can be found online at lauracrystinaalexander.com.

Dennis Taylor is a freelance writer in Monterey County. Contact him at scribelaureate@gmail.com