Static Films

Art in the cafe...

Laurel Statz


"The Spectator"


December 2025



Laurel Statz is a painter and Madison area native. Her work, while figurative, is influenced by abstraction and minimalism. The paintings often have a quick and instinctual nature, capturing just what’s needed. While she often times herself to eliminate extra details and over-precision, she has ventured into more detailed works as well. Laurel does not attach narrative to her pieces. Rather, she thinks of them like a journaling process for her scatter-brained psyche. The figures in the pieces are meant to be processing tools for the artist and the viewer. She hopes that seeing these figures helps the...
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Saturday, October 23, 2004

\"Static Films produces a completely original soundscape which is equal parts Nico (atmospherics), Radiohead (Thom Yorke\'s croon), symphonic sounds and mellow folk\" --THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE, CHICAGO

In an era where chemicals are prescribed to maintain bland facial expressions and level off emotions to a flat-line, [Static Films\'] intensity is distinctly out-of-place. But that\'s just the point. . . .Like LEONARD COHEN and NICO singing hymns in a church backed by MOGWAI or THE RACHEL\'S -UR CHICAGO, CHICAGO

Being more of a spirit than a band with specific members and assigned roles, STATIC FILMS has drawn comparisons similarly organized ensembles such as NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL. But that very spirit of STATIC FILMS may fit more comfortably among the soulfulness of TIM BUCKLEY and the expansiveness of TALK TALK. STATIC FILMS\' live performances range from solo, voice-and-ukulele to a ten-piece band a la VAN MORRISON\'s Caledonia Soul Orchestra. This tour will see STATIC FILMS as a three-piece involving violin, percussion, bass, melodica, and singing.

Music