Art History- John Laub
Artist John Laub was a native of Philadelphia. His family anticipated his entry into the world of business, but he envisioned something different. While attending a small liberal arts college in Ohio John Laub discovered who he was. He enjoyed life and wanted to find a way to express that.Although he had not committed to a career in the arts, he felt the need to follow his artistic pursuits. He sent slides of his work to the Cincinnati Arts Museum for a major exhibition they were curating. He was the only student from his school accepted; the acceptance changed his life.
Self portrait 1979
John returned to Philadelphia to study art, choosing graphic design as a compromise between business and art. After graduating with honors, he applied to Yale University to work on his masters degree. A curious turn of events would seal his future. His college adviser adamantly opposed him continuing his education in the field of graphic design. He told John he should be a painter. This, of course surprised John, who had worked hard to achieve success in his chosen field. He continued to exhibit his work while trying to reach a decision about graduate school. He submitted slides to the ” Silvermine Annual” show. Which was being judged that year by Marcia Tucker, the then curator of the Whitney Museum. He was awarded first prize in landscape painting.
His decision was made. He immersed himself in the Philadelphia art community. Over the years his work has been shown at every major gallery in Philadelphia with his market expanded to San Francisco and Washington DC. The Philadelphia gallery that represented his work urged him to move to New York as a natural progression of his already thriving vocation. John was ready for his move to New York.
1987 GMHC Morning Party
“I always felt like an outsider” he said ‘ it was a little to quiet for me.” He felt the energy and competition was better for him in New York. Which contributed to his intensely active creative life. John loved painting on Fire Island, and the Fire Island community loved his work. You would often see him and his easel nestled in a locale; the artist lost in his work.
Seeing him in his element often draws a crowd. He said it surprised him that he loved to have people watch him work. He was comfortable with people watching the creative process unfold. He never analyzed his work. The paintings that interest him the most are, the ones he gets lost in. He was intrigued that the creative process encompassed him so deeply that when the work was done, he found it hard to believe it was his.
Over the years John would devote many hours to (GMHC) Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Raised in an environment where you were expected to care for your own needs, and not seek outside assistance. John amazed himself, when he rose above these codes, and extended himself to the gay community. He needed to be involved,he found himself wanting to help in whatever capacity he could. After spending years as a counselor, Johns duties escalated to supervisory capacity. He felt the most important obligation he had working for GMHC was to communicate to other people, to help them find their answers within themselves.
John laub
accepted his own HIV status as it advanced into AIDS, and felt that his life needed to make a statement. John approached the University of Pennsylvania Science Center about having a large show of his work. Their gallery was booked with a three week waiting list. When John explained the urgency of his request, they were quick to cut through the red tape, and arrange for a show at the start of the next season. At the same time John decided to solicit the major galleries in New York for the possibility of a show. hen Lawrence Di Carlo from the Fischbach Gallery contacted John, it was a dream come true. Mr. Di Carlo was familiar with John’s work. Due to a change at the gallery, he was able to offer him a show for March 1996. John hit the ground running for this long awaited opportunity. He rescheduled his show at the Science Center for September 1996. He spent that entire last year engrossed in the landscapes of Fire Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Adirondack Mountains. His show at the Fischbach Gallery was very well received.
John felt his work was becoming more introspective. His proudest moment was showing his work on 57th Street. He related the conversation with Mr. Di Carlo: Mr. Di Carlo ” John I am a businessman. You would have not gotten the show if you did not do good work.” His work lives on in so many homes in the Pines and elsewhere.
John was deeply involved in the community, and donated his Art to many causes.
Poster Art by John Laub. 1991 & 1987.
1994
John had a dedication to the Carrington House using his art to capture and promote its preservation.
John shared his gift with many including artist Glen Wielgus.
His art lives on in many homes in the Pines…
2017
