SP: What do you love most about the work you've created?We are very excited to release Lauren Mask's new print series. Here is what she has to say about them: "Initially these works were part of a larger exploration project, but over time these images in specific have remained some favourites of mine. Originally made with a chine collé process, I worked with small abstract shaped pieces of paper, placing them together to create natural imagery. The focus of this series is placed on how form, line and colour work together to create a botanical depiction. I’m excited to be able to share these works and make them more accessible with prints available now." To make sure you know everything you need to about Lauren, we sent her some questions to get to know her a bit better.
LM: I love colour interaction, it's what drives every piece of work I create. It's even made me start looking at the world differently. I'm constantly taking pictures of random objects and scenes because I see a colour interaction that struck me and want to refer back to it for painting.
SP: What's the one subject matter you are intimidated to explore in your practice?
It's not necessarily a subject matter, but making figurative or referential art is something I would like to put into my (public) practice more. I used to do it when I worked with print mediums, and I still do work this way in personal sketchbook works or illustrations, but it's not something I put out publicly or do in paintings.
I'm also absolutely obsessed with Chloe Wise currently, so I'm sure that's driving me to think about the style more.
SP: What historical figure do you most identify with (must be dead!)?
I don't know if I'm a cliche, but I'd have to say, Helen Frankenthaler. I was assigned to do a project about her in first year of university, and I haven't stopped thinking about her since.
SP: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Still figuring that out, but right now it would have to include good food, good drinks, and sunshine.
SP: What is your greatest extravagance?
Probably my dog she's spoiled and I'm obsessed with her.
SP: What makes you stop and look at a work of art?
I'm not sure. In school at the end of a project, we had critiques. This was time spent reviewing peer work, we were made to look at varying styles and consider it all. I think, because of this I'm always taking a moment to look and consider. Maybe that will change the further out of school I get.
SP: What makes you fall in love with a work of art?
The first very obviously is colour, if there's a pallet I like I'm sure I could stare all day. I think the second would be technique or application. Being able to look at a work and wonder how something was done or even know how and still appreciate the complexity of it.
SP: What do you consider the most overrated subject matter in art?
I currently live in a small mountain town in interior British Columbia, and some of the nature (mostly mountains and skiers as subject matter) art is becoming redundant and mind-numbing to me.
SP: What talent would you most like to have?
Be able to speak multiple languages fluently so I could write some sick poetry and travel the world.
SP: How would you most like to die?
Like Betty White. Almost 100 and gone peacefully during sleep. The People magazine covers would be a bonus.
Check out more of Lauren's work HERE and make sure to join us for her new print series.