“A Symphony of Artistry: An Exclusive Conversation with Lauren Baker”

In a world where art continually evolves and challenges perceptions, few artists rise to the forefront with as much grace, passion, and vision as Lauren Baker. Her work, a harmonious blend of innovation and emotion, has captured not just our gaze, but our very souls.

We, at Lotus , have long admired Lauren’s ceaseless dedication to her craft and the profound messages she communicates through each piece. It’s not just art; it’s a sensory experience, a conversation between the creator and the observer, an ethereal dance of colors, patterns, and emotions.

With immense gratitude and anticipation, we’re elated to have had the opportunity to speak with Lauren and delve deeper into the enigmatic beauty of her creations. Moreover, we are incredibly honored that she has chosen to participate in our event on the 14th of October, bringing her unique flair and spirit to elevate the occasion.

Join us, as we explore the intricate mind of Lauren Baker and journey through her artistic universe, a world where every creation tells a story.

1.Your artistic journey has reached numerous significant milestones. Can you share with us the highlights of your artistic path and how they’ve influenced your current work?

Thank you. Exhibiting my ‘Letter To Mother Earth’ at Tate Modern was a memorable and meaningful installation. I projected an apology to nature, on behalf of the human race, for the destruction we have caused. I did this in the form of sound waves since everything is energy and the frequency of plants is 36hertz which is within the field of human conciseness. Im multi-disciplinary, my art is experimental and varied. My favourite terrain for large scale public art installations is the desert because I love the seeing my art with little light pollution, just stars twinkling and the endless landscape of desert dunes. I made the ‘Frequency Of The Sun and The Frequency Of The Moon’ – 4 metre installations in the UNESCO protected desert. I’ve also made a 25 metre tall installation but it was for royalty so im not allowed to share images of it yet! 

2. Your art often mirrors metaphysical themes and ties to the universe. Where do you draw inspiration from to explore these profound concepts, and how do you decide which mediums and techniques to use in expressing these ideas?

Im inspired by spontaneity, adventure, travel and through seeking elevated streams of consciousness – through meditation, kundalini yoga and plant medicine. Im inspired to connect humans, nature and the elements. Im inspired to raise awareness of environmental issues through my art and have a positive impact, raising levels of consciousness and protecting and respecting earth.
I choose mediums that help me convey messages. I’ll assess the energy of materials. I recently made a textile diptych with 99% sustainable materials including cactus, pineapple and fully recycled plastics with marble effects. Since I’m interested in revealing unseen energy, Im drawn to omitting or reflecting light in my artworks. 

3. Let’s talk about your monumental pieces, such as the ‘Wisdom Totems’ at Burning Man or the ‘Luna Woman Power Totem’ in Palmers Green. What message or emotion were you hoping to convey with these giant installations, and what was the biggest challenge in bringing them to life?

The ten metre Wisdom Totems at Burning Man are derived from ancient symbols. Unity Totem is crowned with the alchemical earth symbol to pay homage to our planet. At its base sits the symbol for collaboration. This totem contains geometric forms that explore equilibrium and interconnectedness, in a world that thrives on harmonious coexistence. 

Entwining a celestial body and symbolism, Lunar Totem with her diamond heart centre, radiates an aura of peace and harmony. The moon symbolises reflection, intuition and our connection to the subconscious. The timeless Ankh at her core signifies lifeforce and fertility.
The floods at Burning Man made the installation process incredibly difficult as we lost 3 days to the floods. Winds were up to around 45 mph so we had to reinforce with support from within and using tort metal wires to spread the load. It was a tough week for our build team.  With the sculptured being ten metres, we use cranes and scissor lifts to install, the drone footage is fun to watch – check it on @laurenbakerart
Installing Lunar Woman Totem in Enfield, London was super easy in comparison! Thought it was freezing, I installed straight after a long trip to Mexico and landed to a storm in the UK.
Luna Woman Power Totem stands 3.5 m tall and is positioned in Palmers Green, Enfield, where in 1914 a group of suffragettes held a landmark meeting campaigning for the right to vote.It contains contemporary and ancient symbols representing strong feminine energy.  

4. In addition to being an outstanding artist, you’re also a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. How will you integrate this commitment into your future artistic endeavors? Do you have any specific initiatives or collaborations in mind in this direction?

Art has the power to influence communities and creating art about environmental issues is something I’m very passionate about. One of my favourite light works is ‘The Trees Are Watching’ which I carefully strapped to large trees during a previous Frieze Art Month. I’ve got a mission to plant 8888 trees in the Amazon Rainforest and am super close now. https://businesspartners.raisely.com/t/lba
I plan to get the studio carbon neutral by the end of next year, and then will work on being carbon positive, p.s. we are at 8325 trees planted.
Ive raised over 100k for charity through my art and will continue to work on environmental awareness projects. 

Im planning 

5. Speaking of upcoming projects, can you give us a sneak peek into what you’re planning for the future? What themes or ideas are you currently exploring?

I like the multi layered meanings of symbols. A symbol is a window the essence of things, a perfect way to explore the unseen. 

Im interested in the similarities and connections between the physical world and the wider cosmological world.
I was recently interviewed in the Financial Times talking about the importance of totems as objects of spiritual significance  which can become emblems for communities. I will continue this work on symbolism and totemic structures.
Im currently preparing for art week, you can see what’s on via https://laurenbakerart.com/exhibitions/
I have some exciting large scale projects happening abroad next year but I can’t reveal them yet! 

6. Lastly, given that your work is so globally cherished, what advice would you give to young artists just starting out, who aspire to reach high levels of expression and resonance like you?

Take time alone to feed your inner artist. Fill your mind with wonder. Go to exhibitions and stay curious. Read ‘The Artists’ Way by Julia Cameron. 

Blue Sky Thinking – Have a big vision. Imagine there are no limits, no clouds, a pure bright blue sky –  this is the head space that you need to dream from. 

Feel the fear and do it anyway – read the book if these words aren’t already solidly in your mind 

Listen to inspiring audible books to stay motivated on your path e.g. Katy, Hessel, Tony Robbins, Ted Talks 

Use technology – apps and software to make your quest more efficient, e.g. Trello, Planoly, Slack, Asana, ArtLogic 

Celebrate success – life is short, drink champagne at openings, celebrate the creation of each piece 😉 

Stay grateful – it’s a weird and unregulated world and you’ll meet some charlatans along the way, but it certainly beats a desk job! This is your dream, the dream isn’t easy, but its YOUR dream. Stay grateful and the dream gets more beautiful, happier and your energy increases.