Laurence Short

Laurence Short is a self-taught British artist born in 1964 in Wigan, Lancashire. He grew up in the coastal town of Folkestone, where childhood adventures exploring the White Cliffs of Dover and beachcombing sparked his lifelong love of the sea. Though naturally talented in art from an early age, Short pursued a different path at twenty, becoming a firefighter with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, where he served for thirty years. During this time, he maintained his connection to nature through scuba diving in locations like the Maldives, Red Sea, Florida Keys, and Caribbean, as well as skiing in the Alps, Rockies, and Dolomites.
After retiring at fifty, Short spent five years kitesurfing in Türkiye before returning to England to join the Coast Guard. It was then that he fully embraced his artistic calling, developing a unique style he calls Triptik. This distinctive approach reveals different details at varying distances—vibrant colors from afar, geometric shapes up close, and intricate patterns filled with hidden creatures and inspirational quotes upon closest inspection. His work serves as both personal therapy and environmental metaphor, encouraging viewers to look closely at the beauty and fragility of our planet.
Short has exhibited in solo and group shows, including invitations to display in Rome, Florence, and the Netherlands. He is represented by Park West Gallery.