
Laurence Elle Groux
Born: 1972
Hometown: Lausanne
Based in: New York
Born: 1972
Hometown: Lausanne
Based in: New York
Laurence (Elle) Groux is a self-taught artist working in stoneware ceramics and oil etching. Born and raised in a small village in Switzerland, Groux moved to the US in 1996 where she was immersed in the New York art scene.
Influenced by artistic practices and design motifs found in Pre-Colombian, Byzantine, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Modernism, Groux’s ceramic works are tactile, curvilinear abstract sculptures accentuated by organic shapes and patterns. Her oil etchings further explore the possibilities of line and shape in intricate and delicate patterns of embellishment. Groux’s work inspires visual curiosity through the generous movement of material and coalesces as tangible objects of energy and beauty.
Elle’s work has been featured in group and solo exhibitions in New York, Switzerland, and Philadelphia and are housed in collections in Pennsylvania, New York, California, Switzerland, Canada and Mexico. Additionally, she is the recent recipient of Best in Show for Sculpture 2021 at the Ellarslie Museum in Trenton, NJ, juried by Dr. William R. Valerio, Director of the Woodmere Museum of Philadelphia, PA.
What inspires you?
I’ve been envisioning a future solo show of my new series built upon the dichotomy of the human spirit. Each work in the series is based around an abstract noun such a ‘fear, hope, innocence, nostalgia’ etc. which resonate to the human condition.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Abstract, introspective, contemporary ceramics.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Camille Claudel is the greatest influence on my career. After I saw an exhibition of her work, I immediately went out and bought materials to begin working in ceramics. I am also influenced by artistic practices and design motifs found in Pre-Colombian, Byzantine, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Modernism.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t be afraid of rejection and don’t take rejection personally.
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Education
I.E.S.A. (Institut des Etudes Superieures de l’Art)
Switzerland, 1995
Awards
Ellarslie Open 37/38, Best in Show – Sculpture
2021
NOMAA Individual Artist Grant
2009
Exhibitions
Ellarslie Open 37/38
United States of America, 2021
NoMAA, “In/Out – Light/Dark” group exhibition
United States of America, 2021
NoMAA “Laurence Groux: Open Virtual Studio”
United States of America, 2020
BARTOLAMI Gallery, New York, NY. "Postcard From the Edge, Visual AIDS."
United States of America, 2020
PLAXALL Gallery, Long Island City, NY. “Off The Wall II”
United States of America, 2019
CRG Gallery, New York, NY, "Postcard From the Edge, Visual AIDS."
United States of America, 2011
PULSE NY, New York, NY, Knapp Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
United States of America, 2009
SCOPE HAMPTONS 2008, New Hamptons, Knapp Gallery, Philadelphia, PA.
United States of America, 2008
The Living Gallery, New York, NY, 5th Annual “Uptown Art Strolls.”
United States of America, 2007