get to know our issue 126 poster artist, lauren ericksen
Visual artist Lauren Ericksen explores the quiet strength of softness in everyday moments.
Tell us a little bit about your art and your creative style. My art is a big, warm hug – a celebration of small moments and empowering softness. My style is line-based (in my drawings and tattoos), reimagining things with minimal lines that still have a touch of character. My paintings follow the same method but with bold colours and a touch of chaos.
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What is your preferred medium to work in? Ooo – this is a tough one. Painting can be such a battle sometimes, working your way through the ups and downs of a piece, but when you get into a nice flow and start to like what you’ve made, it’s a great feeling. When I paint, I don’t stick to just one medium. I usually start with a layer of scribbled pencil, then acrylic and sometimes oil stick and aerosol. I do also love tattooing – it feels so incredibly special to create a permanent artwork that will be on display for a lifetime.
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What is your go-to way of slowing down? If I’ve got a few days, a little trip to the farm. Otherwise, floating in some water is a great reset – a bath or the local pool. If it’s a really busy day, just making a cuppa and finding a cosy spot to enjoy (bonus points for a sunny spot).
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What was the process of bringing to life the artwork that is featured in issue 126? “Slow Down” was created in 2023 after feeling burnt out from my first year of full-time art making and tattooing. I took time to reset and went home to country Victoria, where my family live on a farm. So – between painting – there were fences to build and animals to look after. I was staying out in a little shed that also served as my studio. I’d drag the table out into the sun and paint. There were horses in the paddock, chickens roaming the garden and our family sausage dog at my feet. It feels like time stands still on the farm – it’s measured by cups of tea, the odd farm job and afternoon snacks as the sun sets. When I look at this artwork now, it brings me right back there. Sun on my skin, cuppa in reach, nowhere to be and nothing to do.
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Where do you find inspiration and creative motivation? I found inspiration in everyday moments. Especially moments of comfort, connection and leisure – I want to make those moments last longer. I also love drawing people – when I paint bodies, I want them to feel empowered and embrace the strength in being soft and hairy. Creative motivation on the other hand is always up and down. Being consistent in your art practice is key, whether you have 15 minutes, an hour or a day.
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Is this lovely person in the artwork a tea or a coffee person? I think it depends on the time of day. If you’re viewing the artwork in the morning, there’s a high chance it’s a coffee. In the afternoon, then likely a tea… one of many, I’m sure.
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Where can we see more of your work? Online, over on my Instagram @everyday_lines_ or my website. In person, I have some prints at Other Goods in Brunswick (in Melbourne/Naarm), home to many locally made goodies. I also have some originals hanging up at Howler, as part of a group show until August 1st.
This poster comes straight from the pages of issue 126. To get your mitts on a copy, swing past the frankie shop, subscribe or visit one of our lovely stockists.