About Lara Broecke

My subject is the natural world and man’s relationship with it. Some of my work is more decorative, celebrating the abundance and variety of the animal world and delighting in its elegant forms, while other parts of my work are more introspective, exploring the power of man over nature and nature over man and feelings of anger and guilt associated with our destruction of the planet.

I use medieval techniques in my paintings - wooden panels coated with gesso, water gilding and paint made by hand-grinding pigments in egg yolk and water - as well as nibs dipped in ink for my drawings. The use of medieval techniques calls to mind the religious art of early Europe and brings a sense of secular spirituality to my work, evoking both awe and tenderness.

Craftsmanship and quality of materials are very important to me: I hope that my artworks will be not only exquisite images, but also exquisite objects.