06/28/2026
One of the best things I've encountered so far at this year's Upstate Art Weekend is Deirdre Laughton's stunning crochet sculpture, "Mother Love For All" - an enormous, exuberantly textured face that encompasses both the primal and the tender. At first I thought the little figures were spiral goddesses but looking closer, I see a reference to Keith Haring's Radiant Baby - which could serve as a reminder that we all begin the same way: small and reaching, and utterly dependent on a mother's love. It's an arresting piece and a delight to see in person. And the artist herself radiates the same warmth and joy evident in her work.
Deirdre is a West Hurley-based artist working across painting, ceramics, and textile art. Her work has a joyful, soulful presence that turns up at galleries all over the area. She describes her art as a kind of prayer, and you sure feel that in this piece. Visit her web site at https://deirdrelaughtonarts.com
If you're in the upstate NY area, we're here again today at the Woodstock School of Art's Art Fair from 11am to 4pm - come find us! My husband Collin Douma is offering sculptures from his United Fauna series and he has copies of his new book too, Olive of Ashokan. It's so worth popping by!
