Born into an artistic family in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Laura Frank was immersed in a world of creativity, surrounded by music, art, dance, and the artisan lifestyle fostered in her parents' leather workshop. From a young age, Laura envisioned having her own workshop to explore her artistic passions and craft items that would bring joy to others.
While studying fine arts in Brooklyn, New York, at the Arts Students League of New York, Laura delved into painting and drawing, honing her skills through live figure drawing sessions that have since influenced her artistic endeavors. She graduated with honors in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute in 1998, where her favorite classes included conceptual 3D design, color theory, space analysis, furniture design, art history, and sculpture. Her studies took her to Rome and across Europe, enriching her artistic perspective and feeding her creative soul.
Laura's fusion of fine arts and Industrial Design background led her to jewelry-making, initially as a way to model sculptures on a smaller scale using wax carving. This evolved into her first collection, Metamorphosis, showcasing her unique sense of movement, space, and color in bold and sensual jewelry designs. Her love for color shines through in her distinctive combinations of precious and semi-precious gems, as seen in her A Bead Affair collection.
During the period of time that Laura was establishing LAF Designs as a retail and wholesale business, Laura also co-owned a much loved Brooklyn-based jewelry and fine crafts gallery, N.C.H. Studio. Here, she curated a diverse range of artisans and sold her jewelry designs while pursuing other interests like becoming a certified Reiki practitioner and starting a family. Laura holds certifications by The Reiki Association International, her titles are Reiki Master Teacher, Arolo Tifar Master Teacher, Active Energy Healing Practitioner, Natural Hypnotherapist.
Inspired by her daughters and seeking new challenges, Laura began teaching art classes, sharing her expertise with young creatives in a multidisciplinary studio environment. She continues to explore her creativity as an artist, jewelry designer, private art teacher, healing practitioner, and mother. With over 20 years of experience as a designer and entrepreneur, Laura's journey is a testament to her passion for art, design, and nurturing the creative spirit in others.
LAF Designs is located in the beautiful Rockaway Peninsula, just a short walk from the beach and right off the A train. Please contact us for directions.