Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started as an abstract painter. I danced the line between watercolor and acrylics, using both mediums to get a similar effect. My first exhibit in Minnesota was Art-A-Whirl in 2006, and for many years after that, I would show semi-annually at Art-A-Whirl and the St. Paul Art Crawl. 2009, I moved into my first studio in the Casket Arts Building. It was in this home of creativity that my style evolved. On top of the abstracts, I started painting bicycles, fat birds, bears, and other happy cartoonish characters. My art was playful and light. When my marriage of 12 years ended abruptly, I discovered that all my efforts to hold my family together had eroded my confidence and my courage. As the darkness of grief swallowed me whole, I was disinterested in painting fluffy characters and instead found home in the comfort of the abstracts of my past. The drive for novelty inspired me to paint on slices of wood. Painting was my safe place, and I could only paint when I was happy. I found out little bright moments of joy despite my grief. The combination of the living surface, the wood, and the ethereal space of happiness gave birth to my business name: Artifacts of Joy. The artifacts connect me to my emotions and grounded me in the moment while the painting brings my thoughts to life. My art is highly bright now, and I often use neon colors. I dance the line between suggested landscapes and bold abstract shapes. Joy is always at the center of my work. Painting is my safe space. It calms me and centers me. And now, when I go to shows, it connects me to my audience.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many challenges along the way. From the beginning, I built my business around my children. It brings them so much joy to be available for everything they need. At the same time, I’m the one they go to for everything they need. Still, I have successfully carved out time for practicing, painting and expanding. The most significant change in my life gave me the most purpose and incredibly positively impacted my creativity. One of my favorite challenges is finding novelty in my work because it helps me evolve. Over the past few years, I’ve heard more and more people complaining they don’t have wall space. So, I have been very intentional in seeking out new surfaces to paint on. I have experimented with earrings, wood pieces, tables, cutting boards, spoons, and more!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Right now, I am most well known for the videos peeling tape off paintings from my “Rainbow Skies” Series. The public loves to watch me peel the tape away from vibrant colors, leaving lovely straight lines! What sets me apart is that I’m drawn to novelty and always thinking about how to innovate. I love painting, and I’ll paint on anything. Six years ago, I started collecting figurines and painting them. It was a natural extension for Artifacts of Joy, but I needed to be more confident in how they would be received at the time. Earlier this year, I tried it again, putting my current abstract patterns on plastic farm animals I found in my kids’ room. They were such a hit! I thought, “What else can I paint on?” I started scouring thrift stores for inspiration. I paint ceramic and wood figurines and functional kitchen objects like butter dishes. Creating something new from an unexpected object and making playful fine art from discarded goods are so much fun. I’m just so proud that I can make art that brings people joy. Being welcomed into people’s sacred spaces is a pleasure and an honor.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Being part of NEMAA and working in Casket Arts early in my career introduced me to artists who have been lifelong friends. It’s also been beneficial to have done a wide variety of small markets everywhere. It gave me great experience and a vast network of fellow artists I can rely on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artifactsofjoy.com/
- Instagram: @artifactsofjoy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenStromArt/
- Twitter: @artifactsofjoy
