In memory of Cassera Gallery artist Janet Laurel (1939-2026). One of the most influential women artists in the history of the Pacific Northwest. A woman whose colorful personality, unforgettable wardrobe, and vibrant art make her impossible to forget . She told me often that I was, ‘like a son to her’ and she was, ‘like my mother’. Although Janet and my mother were close in age, she couldn’t have been more opposite of my mother in personality. However in many ways, our relationship carried the depth, intensity, and complexity of a family bond. For 15 tumultuous years, I had the privilege of representing her work through my gallery, a journey filled with incredible highs, difficult moments, laughter, frustration, inspiration, and everything in between. We didn’t always agree, and our relationship was far from easy, but beneath all of it was a genuine connection and a profound respect for the extraordinary artist she was. Her art, her spirit, and her powerful presence left an indelible mark on the Northwest art world and on my life. She will be missed, but her vibrant legacy will continue to speak through every colorful work she left behind. Rest in Peace Janet, love ya. ♥️
Janet Laurel's connection to George Tsutakawa (1910–1997)—one of the most renowned painters and public fountain sculptors of the Pacific Northwest—was foundational to her trajectory as a professional artist.
Their relationship went beyond standard classroom instruction, developing into a formal mentorship and working dynamic:
Formal Training & Technical Schooling:
Laurel completed her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the University of Washington, where Tsutakawa served as a prominent faculty member for nearly four decades. Under his direct guidance, her natural artistic talent was "made classic" through intense schooling in traditional Japanese Calligraphy and Sumi painting. Tsutakawa taught her how to control and master the fluid, sweeping, and shaded lines of black Sumi ink on paper.
Assistantship and Mentorship: Laurel did not simply learn from Tsutakawa in academic lecture halls; she also worked closely with him as his artistic assistant.
This allowed her to observe his creative process firsthand, absorbing how he balanced his Japanese cultural heritage with Western mid-century modernism. This close working relationship deeply influenced Laurel's own artistic worldview, allowing her to confidently "dance between East and West" throughout her entire career.
Inheriting the Concept of Chi (Spirit):
The core philosophical thread linking their work was the pursuit of capturing chi—the invisible energy, essence, or vital spirit of the natural world. Tsutakawa famously channeled this by using abstract bronze forms and the magical flow of water to create civic harmony. Laurel adapted this mentorship by using fluid, single-breath brushstrokes to instantly lock the life spirit of birds, frogs, bones, and humans onto raw rice paper and silk canvases.
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