Over the years, she has sold, or given as gifts, literally hundreds of works of art bearing her signature, which has prompted her recently to catalogue them. One glance at her clipboard tells her the date each painting was finished, and the name of the owner.

With her first public art show coming up in Smithers January 8 - February 2, 2002, she is going to have to gather at least 21 of her most prominent works for display.

Even without a practised eye, one can see how Laara's work has evolved, how the lines have loosened. Shapes have become more fluid, there appears to be less of a need to be so finite. Every piece seems to hold a part of Laara's growth.