The Artist at the Forest's Gate: Exploring Porcelain & Paint with Laura Winter Art

 

The Alchemy of Brush and Forest

As someone who walks the fine line between museum halls and moss-covered rituals, I’m always searching for artists whose work doesn’t just exist—it enchants. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Laura, an Italian artist whose studio now sits at the threshold of Germany’s legendary Black Forest. Nestled among antique treasures and steeped in quiet magic, Laura creates art that bridges time and terrain—delicate porcelain paintings, soulful ceramics, and rich, emotive oil pieces that echo her first artistic love.

Her work is deeply inspired by the natural world—flora, fauna, fleeting shadows on forest floors—and she paints with a reverence for old-world craftsmanship. The result? Art that feels like it belongs in both a curated gallery and a grimoire. In this conversation, Laura invites us into her enchanting world, where every brushstroke feels like a spell cast in porcelain and pigment.

So grab a velvet cushion, light a candle, and let’s step into the studio of an artist whose creativity is rooted in nature, nourished by history, and blooming with beautiful mystery.

Hey Laura, we’d love to hear about your journey as an artist. How did you first get started with painting?

 

Hello, my name is Laura, and painting has always been my greatest passion. I’m originally from Italy, where I studied art for eight years before moving to Germany, near the gates of the Black Forest, when I was 28. Here, I truly found my artistic space, inspired largely by the nature surrounding me, which feels so alive compared to where I grew up. I’ve been painting for 22 years, and about 8 years ago, I began experimenting with porcelain and ceramic painting. It started as a way of upcycling antique porcelain—breathing new life into old, stylish cups. Over time, I expanded my technique to include both new porcelain and handmade ceramic pieces.

 

Your work is so beautiful and filled with nature—what are some things that really inspire you when you’re creating? How do you bring that inspiration to life in your pieces?

 

Nature, especially its fauna and flora, is my main muse. I’m also deeply inspired by the antiques that surround me, adding an ancient soul to my home and creating spaces that evoke a nostalgic, almost magical feeling. My work reflects this blend of the natural world and the old-world charm I adore. I experience a lot of sensations and moods, and I believe that what I feel in the moment naturally translates into my art. My move to Germany has definitely shaped my style. I’m particularly inspired by the crows that often visit outside my window—a species I’d never encountered before! The woodland animals, natural colors, and tranquil yet dynamic landscape have sparked many ideas for my work.

 

Do you have any rituals or routines that help get you into the creative zone when you’re working?

 

I always jot down my ideas in what I call my "artist's diary." It’s a mix of future projects, color combinations I want to try, and notes about various techniques I use, as well as commission details. I’m lucky to live near nature, with a beautiful botanical garden just a short walk from home. The flora and fauna there are a constant source of inspiration, and many of my early illustration studies come from there.

 

You work with so many different materials and techniques. Is there one that you feel most connected to, or do they all pull you in different ways depending on the mood?

 

It’s hard to choose just one technique because each of them connects with me in different ways. For example, oil painting, with its creamy texture and slow pace, allows me to relax and focus deeply. Watercolors give me the freedom to play with color and form, working in layers and letting my mind wander. Ink drawing, on the other hand, almost puts me into a trance-like state where I can lose myself in the rhythm of the strokes. Porcelain painting is the most demanding, requiring a lot of precision, but it fascinates me because it combines the qualities of oil painting and watercolor. A single brushstroke can have the rich texture of oil or the delicate transparency of watercolor, which is incredibly rewarding.

 

Is there a piece or project that’s especially meaningful to you, or do they all hold a special place in your heart?

 

I can’t point to one specific piece because every creation I make feels like a part of me. They’re all my “children,” crafted with care, dedication, and a lot of love.

 

Your work feels so personal and full of feeling—how do your experiences or your identity shape your art?

 

I’ve always loved traveling and visiting museums—it’s part of a ritual for me. I need to see traditional art up close, study brushstrokes, and absorb the color techniques of the masters. The great artists of the past have had a profound influence on me, and their work continuously inspires my own.

 

Being an artist is never without its challenges. What have been some obstacles you’ve faced, and how do you keep pushing forward?

 

One of the biggest challenges I face today is the saturation of social media. The influx of artists over the years has made it harder to get noticed, and when I first started my Facebook page in 2014, it was much easier to stand out. But I’m not discouraged by this. I’ve been painting since before the internet era, and I’ll continue to paint regardless of trends or algorithms. Those who love my work will find me, and that’s what matters most.

 

What’s your workspace like? Do you have any must-have items that help keep you grounded and inspired while you work?

 

In my current home in Germany, I don’t have a dedicated studio, but I’ve carved out a cozy little corner of paradise. I have a wooden desk, a small Apotheke chest of drawers, and a display case filled with porcelain reserves and art supplies. It’s not much, but it’s my creative haven. My dream is to one day have a dedicated atelier at home.

 

Who are some of the artists or creators that inspire you and influence your work?

 

I draw a lot of inspiration from the great artists of the past, especially Flemish painters and 19th-century still-life artists. Their melancholic landscapes and intricate depictions of nature deeply resonate with me. I’m also inspired by Art Nouveau, which I often turn to for its organic lines and the way it intertwines nature and design.

 

For aspiring artists looking to make a career out of their passion, what advice would you give them?

 

I know it’s not always easy in the art world, but if you love what you do, you must push through the challenges. Start by having a part-time job to support yourself while you build your art career. It might take time, but patience is key. The most important thing is to enjoy what you do and infuse it with passion and love. Even if it may take more time, be patient and above all - enjoy what you do with love and passion.

 

What’s next for you, Laura? Any exciting projects or ideas on the horizon?

 

I’m always full of new ideas. When I find the time, I work on watercolor illustrations for an upcoming illustrated agenda. As for my ceramics and porcelain painting, I’ve been experimenting with creating unique cups—something that I’ve dreamed about for a long time, but I’m still perfecting my technique. Oil painting, my first love, is never far behind, and I’m planning to do more traditional-style portraits of cats, animals, and plants. I’m also open to collaborations, new commissions, and fresh ideas. The journey continues!

 

A Whisper from Another Time

There’s something incredibly grounding about Laura’s work—like finding a pressed flower in a forgotten book or stumbling on an artifact that still holds warmth. Her art reminds us that beauty lives in the details, and that time, history, and nature can all live harmoniously in a single, handmade object.

A deep thank you to Laura for sharing her story, her art, and her enchanting worldview with us. What do you think of Laura's incredible work? Be sure to check out more of her creations or bring a bit of her Black Forest magic into your own life and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Until next time, keep your eyes open for the artists who remind us that wonder lives not just in galleries, but in the quiet corners of the world. Stay strange, stay spellbound, and keep curating your own cabinet of curiosities.

🖤—Heather, your ever-curious crow