Marylou Laughlin is an artist, photographer, Reiki teacher specializing in animals, skydiver, and explorer. She has always had a passion for art, animals, traveling and adventure. She has combined her passions to create beautiful works of art focused on the places she’s explored and animals all over the world.

Growing up in Pennsylvania there were more than a few opportunities as a child to rescue animals that she came across in her backyard. During summers on the Jersey shore, the local art institute welcomed her into adult classes, allowing her to investigate new ways to express herself.

Marylou started working in photography at a young age, but her interest truly peaked during her time at Miss Porter’s School working in the “Dark Room”  and expanding on her art. Since her time at Miss Porter’s, Marylou has studied at the Philadelphia Institute of Art, Parsons School of Design, and University of Hartford Art School.

On July 17, 1988 Marylou’s life changed forever when she dove into the world of skydiving. Marylou’s first jump was inspired by a dream to fly and since then she has not stopped. She has been on nine U.S. skydiving teams, finished eighth in the world and has moved into the political realm serving as Board of Director for the United States Parachute Association, FAI International Judge and the U.S. Delegate of the International Parachuting Commission. She rose to VP position of the International Parachuting Commission.

In 2015, Marylou received the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Leonardo Da Vinci Award for her international skydiving contributions and achievements. She is one of just four American’s to ever win this prestigious honor since it was established in 1970. In 2004 she was named an Honorary Golden Knight.

Skydiving has served as Marylou’s ticket to explore the world. Every competition, meeting, or record she attends, her camera accompanies her. However, the biggest influence on her art is her love for animals. You will see that animals are her favorite subjects. Her goal is to bridge the gap between humans and animals through her art and Animal Reiki. On top of being a certified Reiki teacher, Marylou is licensed in the state of Connecticut as a wildlife rehabilitator.

Marylou is an artist by profession, but an explorer by nature. And even through her art she explores new and different techniques. Besides skydiving, she also holds a private pilots license and has traveled under the oceans as an advanced open water scuba diver. Currently, Marylou has her own business, Thru Wild Eyes, where she does photography, picture framing, encaustic paintings, jewelry, and Animal Reiki.