Ross Finds Expression on Mountain and Through Visual Art

Two-time Olympian and talented artist Laurenne Ross has published her first book, a photography book entitled “Approach”—featuring photos taken from several locations around the world: Italy, Switzerland, Alberta and British Columbia (Canada), New Zealand, Chile and France.

Laurenne is known as one of the most dynamic athletes on and off the snow, with incredible talent on violin, piano, guitar, vocals and as a visual artist. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Laurenne cut her teeth at a small local hill but headed to the Canadian Rockies on weekends, where she raced her Dad (a former alpine racer) to the lodge. 

A creative to the core, who is a seasoned vet when it comes to creating both visual beauties in the classroom and beauty in the form of arcs on the snow, Laurenne loves merging her passion for the mountains and art. How does she describe herself as an athlete/artist, and how do influences of Laurenne’s art permeate into her skiing/vice-versa?

“As an artist at heart, I see skiing as a sort of art form,” noted Laurenne. “Sport is a form of self-expression, and I really try to embody that in my skiing. We as skiers are all very different in our movements and ways of connecting with the mountains and snow, and I find that to be such a beautiful thing. You can see how each athlete expresses themselves in their movements and reactions, just as you can see expression in an artist's work.”

“I'm also undeniably drawn to the mountains and snow, and I think you can see glimpses of that connection in my artwork,” she continued. “I've always dreamed of a way to express my love for and connection to skiing (and the elements that come with it) through an art form, just as I endlessly search for ways to express myself and my artistic side through my skiing.”

Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team communication manager Megan Harrod spent some time digging into Laurenne’s new project, which launched in early December, to find out a little more about her “Approach” to art and what makes her so unique and different.  

Megan Harrod: Do you have a personal favorite photo?
Laurenne Ross: My favorite photo is probably the one titled "Wander," or maybe "Keever." "Wander" is a really special photograph to me because it carries a lot of personal meaning, but I also love the light and the way the colors contrast and radiate unexpectedly. "Keever" seems to exhibit this magical mountain wonderland, with a mysterious rainbow light: it's almost utopian. 

MH: What is the concept behind Approach, and why?
LR: The original concept behind Approach was to have a way to distribute a small portfolio of my photography work. I was actually taking a career course in design, and the initial prompt was to create a portfolio of art and design work that I could basically use as a resumé. Since I'm not yet pursuing a career in art/design, and I've always wanted to make a photography book, I thought it would be fun to interpret the prompt in a way that would allow me to initiate an art project I've always wanted to undertake, while simultaneously creating a "portfolio" of my work.

I decided to focus the book on a specific type of film photography because it allowed me to narrow down my options for photographs (since I have so many). So the concept of color variation and alternative-processed films came to mind, and that's how Approach came together. I also wanted to portray my travels in a way that allows people to see the world from a unique and colorful perspective, so hopefully, the book does that. 

MH: What is your goal with Approach? 
LR: The goal with Approach is firstly to put my photographs into the world in a real, tangible form. I've always been drawn to books and magazines, and to physical prints of photographs. There's something about being able to hold the object in your hands that creates a different kind of connection with art. I'm also taking the year off of racing, so I am hoping to raise some money to support my recovery with this book!

MH: You and your partner/fellow U.S. Ski Team athlete Tommy (Ford) both love to create. Are any of the photos in the book of Tommy, or of places you and Tommy traveled together? This shared passion must fuel you both, and bring you closer together…can you talk about it?
LR: Tommy and I share many passions, but the two most significant ones in our lives are probably skiing and making art. It's really inspiring to be around Tommy: he's always busting out a notebook and sketching, and it pushes me to pursue my artistic passions when we're together. 

There are a few photos of Tommy in the book (three total), but he was by my side while I took many of the other shots. In the photo titled "Trade," we were together in New Zealand, skiing, and decided to take a trip to Mt. Cook National Park during a day off. These are the little side trips that are really important to both Tommy and me (exploring a place beyond our training or racing area), but that are really difficult to make because of our packed schedules. So we push each other to do these kinds of things while we're together. It's incredible to be able to pursue a passion with someone at your side, knowing they're also fulfilling a similar, deep desire to create and explore. Sharing those moments is something we both really cherish.

MH: Are there any stories behind the photography that are particularly special to you?
LR: Behind each and every photograph lies a story that is really special to me. There is one photo in particular that I hold dear, as it is of a friend that I haven't seen or spoken to in years. The image is titled "Wander," and it captures so much emotion, both hopeful and dark, that ultimately lead to the extinction of a wonderful friendship.

Join Laurenne on her colorful journey around our beautiful world. 

Check out Laurenne’s website and her "Approach" book.