Hi I’m Laura Lenander. I am a visual artist and ordained priest in the Church of England, currently serving curacy at Telford Minster.
My practice as a visual artist is socially engaged and spans a wide variety of media. I love to paint and capture photographs in my sabbath times, to worship and capture the beauty in the natural world. I have a passion to reveal truth in creative ways, making the gospel message accessible in creative forms is something I explore in my practice alongside drawing attention to injustice and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
As a priest I feel as though my whole life is like curating pieces of artwork re-presenting them back to God, for His glory. So naturally creativity infuses ministry in every aspect. Whether I'm speaking, leading prayer meetings, or facilitating workshops, I bring forth creative thoughts and encourage others to respond visually to God's voice. ‘We are Imago Dei (made in our creator God’s image) , called to be creative, and we are by nature creative makers’ (Art & Faith, A Theology of Making, Makoto Fujimura). As Imago Dei - we are all called to bring our whole creative selves to God, and I love to lead others in this. I love to lead others to find creativity and enjoy running and speaking at creative workshops at Christian gatherings such as New Wine, Venit Vivus, theological colleges and Diocesan events.
I’m married to Mike a Quantity Surveyor, we have a grown up daughter, Katelyn. We love to explore creation together walking with our dog.
I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art from Byam Shaw School of Art, Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, UAL, London and then went onto complete an MA in Artist Teachers and Contemporary Practices at Goldsmiths University, London. Following a call to ordination I completed a BA (Hons) degree in Theology and Mission at St Mellitus College (via Durham University).