Female Voices in Art: Laura Ruth Bidwell, Founder  of the Transformer Station, Collector,  Philanthropist, Artist/Photographer

Laura Ruth Bidwell (b. 1954, Akron, OH, US) graduated from the University of Akron with a B.F.A. in painting. To earn extra money for college, Laura worked as a portrait artist. After college, she was hired to work in the advertising department of the M. O'Neil Company. Her next job was as a graphic designer at Malone Advertising. She and her husband, Fred, began collecting contemporary photography in 1991 when they were married. They opened the Transformer Station in 2013 to store and exhibit their collection. Laura is currently a photographer, book maker and collage artist living in Cleveland.

Could you tell us something about your role in the art world?

My role is to collect contemporary photography and help curate shows at the Transformer Station in Cleveland.

What did you enjoy about being a part of this project?

I enjoyed working with the photographer, Carla van de Puttelaar. We both love the natural light on the skin and working with the beauty of real people.

Do you have a favourite artist?

I am always thinking about painting when I am photographing and I really love Bronzino paintings.

What is your earliest memory involving art?

Making paper dolls and their wardrobes at the kitchen table. Art has always been my friend.

Do you have any special thoughts about the position of women in the art world?

I feel that women are the equals of men in the art world.

What are you wearing, and is there a story behind it?

I always wear black and my many rings have become a sort of trademark for me. The rings I always wear:

Index Finger - "Siamese" ring that many young women wore in High School in the 70s in Northeast Ohio. I never had one but bought this on eBay a few years ago. I bought a few and give them to my female friends since they can't find them.

Middle Finger - Gothic Cross Ring designed by Dana Schneider. Dana lives in Ohio and makes most of her jewelry for the film industry. Cher wears a version of this on her middle finger, as does the designer.

Right Ring Finger - I have worn this skull ring longer than any other. I wear it in tribute to Keith Richard, the coolest human on the planet, because he wears a skull ring.

Thumb and Pinky finger change.

Other Hand has my traditional wedding, engagement and forever rings.

What impact has the current health crisis on your daily practice? I have asked 2 people to sit for a portrait in my studio. I said that I would wear a mask and stay 6ft. or more away and keep time under 15 minutes. One person ignored me and the other said she was too afraid, would think about it and never got back to me. So, my portrait photography is definitely on hold for the foreseeable future.

We have reopened the Transformer Station museum with masks required, a plexi shield at front desk, sanitizing procedures in place, reserved tickets and limiting the number of visitors. So far people are coming. We are planning a new show for September so we'll see what fall attendance is like.

Is it changing your views on Art?

Art seems more like a luxury than ever, but it also seems more necessary than ever to inspire and to keep minds working. My views on art keep changing not just because of the health crisis but also because of the persistent racism in this world. Change is in the air and I hope that it remains that way.

Are you creating new initiatives and ways of working?

I have discovered that I still know how to draw! I have been investigating watercolors and collaging on 3-dimensional objects that I make from all of the cardboard that comes into this place. As an artist, I had to get past the growing sense of busy work that lockdown encourages. It is crucial to find what really fulfills you. Once you start looking to others to define your happiness, you are lost.