please see my website: www.LauraStoland.com My younger brother became disabled thirteen years ago, Since then I have observed what it is like to physically deviate from what is culturally accepted as normal. Disability reminds people of their own physical frailty; and unlike gender, racial or cultural differences, disability is especially threatening because disabled is an “other” that anyone can become at any time. Also, it is a reminder of our ultimate fear, death. I have made many objects that explore the fragility of the human body including glass and iron brains and glass wombs. I have also made cast metal “anti-therapeutic” splints; and worked with a group of head-injured adults (including my brother) to create a short video. In addition, I made four resin "empathy devices" that hold my body into positions based on various disabilities. I’ve also made cast metal brains with glass blown into them and a fragile glass spine. I look for the beauty in twisted limbs, spasticity, drooling and splints and present these things to a world trying to live in denial of their threatening existence. I hold an MFA from the School of the Art Institue of Chicago, and a BA in Art History from Vassar College. I had a solo show at Southfirst Gallery in Williamsburg, and have been in many group shows over the past few years at various places including The Brooklyn Underground Film Festival, Galerie Lelong, the United Nations, The Betty Ryjmer Gallery and the McLean County Arts Center. I am currently a Professor of Art at Suffolk County Community College.