Welcome from Laura Borealis Art

 I've  been an artist all my life, studying art in Australia, Italy and Minnesota.  Fourteen years ago I fell in love with the medium of polymer clay.

I found that I love making miniature landscapes on switch plates.  I love that you get to see the miniature work of art up close every time you turn  your light switch on or off!   

 Each one is unique and many are inspired by love of nature and a lifetime of observing the seasons and ecosystems of Minnesota. I try to distill the essence of a landscape to its jewel-like essentials.  

  Many viewers assume that the polymer clay pieces are painted, but they are done by using a polymer clay technique called caning.  I sometimes use the canes like a solid paint color or I make what's called millifiori canes which are small logs with tiny designs in them.  I cut the logs into many pieces and assemble them like a mosiac.   

After making the pieces, I cure them by baking to become strong like PVC piping.    I also make small totem animal sculptures, especially owls.  Each feather on each owl is a slice of a millefiori feather cane that I made. The owls carry great significance for me, and are so much fun to make each unique owl.   

Laura Burlis