Larry Laslo Sold at Auction Prices

Larry Laslo has had a love affair with art since he was a little boy. As a child, he would see a beautiful scene and think, “Wouldn’t that be a fabulous painting?” But Larry was born and raised in the steel town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where the norm was not a career in the arts. Nonetheless, the budding artist defied local convention and remained true to himself by following his passion. His perseverance was rewarded far more than he ever could have imagined, and Larry grew up to become a world-renowned artist and interior designer.

His first mentor was in the third grade. Larry’s teacher, Ruth, recognized his talent, and she was a wonderful moral support. Further, she encouraged him to believe in himself. Not stopping there, she convinced Larry’s parents that he had talent and that the arts would be the perfect route for him to follow. Larry and Ruth have remained friends and still see one another.

During high school, Larry says he hated football, basketball and math, but he loved art and dance. Taking as many art classes as possible, Larry’s creative talents were by then obvious to everyone. He won dozens of contests and was awarded a four-year college scholarship.

Larry attended the Philadelphia College of Art. His innovation and interpretations, whether in painting, sculpture or ceramics made a huge impression on his instructors, and after his junior year he was given a cash award that would allow him to study in Europe. But like most young adults, Larry was tired of school and eager to jump into the “real world,” so he instead opted to move to New York City.

Larry’s talent was quickly recognized. He first worked at Doyle, Dane and Bernbach Advertising Agency as the art director. He created illustrations for such notable magazines as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, Playboy and The New York Times. He painted and illustrated entire issues of The New York Times.

Larry eventually left to start his own freelance business, and one of his first projects was to design the Bergdorf-Goodman store. He designed for Mikasa and then branched into furniture design, which was so successful that he has his own line. Larry continued to expand and designs silver, gold, glass, carpet and lamps, displaying outstanding and exciting creations in every arena. Quickly winning international acclaim as one of the nation’s top designers, Larry modestly describes his work as a “twist on the classics.” His chameleon-like approach to art allows him to be ever changing and not be put into a box.

As multi-talented as Larry is, drawing and painting remain his favorite artistic expressions. Finding inspiration in nature, Larry never attempts to copy it too closely saying, “Nature is the best painter.” He loves beautiful colors and is intrigued by form. Not preferring one genre to another, he can paint abstract art or figurative.

Framing his paintings is very important to Larry, as he wants what surrounds his art to reflect the décor of the room. Matting is equally important, as the artist wants his work to be able to “breathe” within the frame. He eschews mediocrity and prefers that his paintings be very minute or very large so they are never boring. Larry likes to think of his artwork as floating on the wall. And, he says, like a child with a new toy, his last work of art is always his favorite. He does not look back and instead concentrates on the future.

Art is a pleasure for Larry, and he wants people who purchase his art to find beauty along with a sense of lightness and a continued sense of joy. Well known for his own sense of humor, Larry is a rare combination of creativity, humor and intellectualism.

Larry has previously been chosen as the Best Product Designer by IFDA. He is in high demand and travels all over the world, speaking and lecturing to diverse groups ranging from designers to college students. Despite the fact that his travel allows him very little time to spend in his beautiful Manhattan apartment, which has been shown on HGTV, and prevents the dog lover in him from having a dog, since he is gone so frequently, Larry considers meeting those who have purchased his work one of the perks of his job.

Larry received the distinction of being chosen one of the Best 100 Designers by House Beautiful in October of 1999 and 2002. His designs and work have appeared in all of the highly noted journals, such as Architectural Digest, and his accessory collections are sold in premiere stores around the world. Despite his busy schedule, Larry says that unlike Van Gogh, he does not create in the midst of deep angst. Rather, he says, things just flow.

Freud, Sir Francis Bacon and Picasso are historical greats that Larry admires. He feels a certain affinity with Picasso as Picasso was always changing. One year might be his "blue period" and the next year could be his "abstract period." The only theme that never changes is the excellence Larry demands of himself. He does not search for ways to make more but rather concentrates on quality.

Larry was very pleased to work with RFA Decor. He said it is a wonderful company that is well represented, and he was thrilled to be with them. Nothing ever gets done without organization, and they are very organized, he said.

Despite his almost dizzying array of accomplishments, Larry still holds some aspirations for the future. He would like to publish a book showcasing what he feels is his finest work in both art and interior design. And, if he could just find the time, he would love to go to Europe and study the arts. But regardless of any new accomplishments Larry may attain, we are grateful that the little boy who so loved the arts grew up to share his passion with the world.