C.M. “Mike” and Kelly Lasters are full- time artists working in Western Kentucky. They have shown artwork in museums and traveling shows worldwide, including 'Portraying Lincoln' in Washington D.C., 'Coming Home' in the Museum of Biblical Art- NYC, and 'The American Outsiders' at La Pop Gallerie in Paris, France. They also have art in the permanent collections of the American Visionary Art Museum, the Bill Clinton Presidential Library, Muse Internationale de Artes Modeste, and the House of Blues Foundation.
The Lasters travel the USA in an art car, the LasterBlasters Holy Rollin' Rock- it, with their 2 year old daughter Ruby Elvis Rose, showing and selling artwork as they go. They make artwork out of whatever they find, mostly recycled material and scraps from a family business as well as other cast offs.
“After years of personal struggle, we found each other and the healing power of art. With God's love and continual guidance we follow the path as it is revealed to us. Our subject matter is personal as we share our own spiritual struggles and open our lives up to others. If we gain a piece of wisdom that we think could benefit someone, we share that. If we are inspired by a musician or another artist, we make art about that. Sometimes we are just being silly and having fun. But ultimately we make art about the vision and the message. The vision is about making your dreams come alive and the message is about love. We make our art out of whatever materials we can get cheap or free and we experiment with new ways of working all the time. We both have been artists since we were small children, but only in the last ten years of awakening from addiction and going through several life changing tragedies have we really found our true purpose. We have strong intentions to create something from the heart which has meaning and is hopefully healing to others. Not art to hide away. Nor is it art which is to needlessly shock. But we are not opposed to presenting a strong message of warning to people about avoiding hidden pitfalls from vices and other dangers in an often troubled world. Since we began our vision quest together we have discovered that life has many surprises. Our art has opened the door to a whole world of wonderful friends, and teachers who help us to continue in our true calling. Sharing our art in galleries and shows is a continually rewarding experience as it is good to know when our work is helpful to and enjoyed by others. When our art strikes a chord with someone else--and usually a friendship too, we know then we are fulfilling our purpose.”
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