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Bio

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?” However, Larry was raised in the steel town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where the norm was not a career in the arts. Determined, the budding, young artist defied local convention and remained true to his artistic 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 became obvious to everyone, and 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” and 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, Harpers Bazaar, GQ, Playboy and the New York Times. He painted and illustrated entire issues of the New York Times.

Larry left to start his own freelance business, and one of his first projects was to design the store, Bergdorf-Goodman. 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 on 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 expression of art. Finding inspiration in nature, Larry never attempts to copy it too closely as he says, “Nature is the best painter.” He loves beautiful colors and is intrigued by form. Not preferring one medium to another, he can paint abstract art or figuratively.

Framing is very important, as Larry wants what surrounds his art to reflect the décor of the room. Equally key is the matting because he desires that his work be able to “breathe” within the frame. He dislikes mediocrity and prefers that his paintings be minute or very large so they are not 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 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.

Last year Larry was 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 demanding schedule 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 as he is gone so frequently, traveling does have an upside for Larry. He loves meeting the people who have purchased his art.

Larry has received the distinction of being chosen one of the best one hundred 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 and so is Larry. 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 is very pleased to be working with Rosenbaum. He says it is a wonderful company that is well represented, and he is thrilled to be with them. Nothing ever gets done without organization, and they are very organized.

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, now 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 loved the arts remained true to himself and grew up to share his passion with the world.

LARRYLASLO