Lauren Jane

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I grew up in Memphis, TN surrounded by music, art and nature. I grew up out in the country playing in fields and in the woods. So much of my inspiration has come from all things nature and my love for the outdoors. My creativity originally manifested through music in the early years of my adult life. Since then my creativity has evolved into art on canvas and handcrafted jewelry. These memories were my early love for jewelry.

What is your biggest artistic influence?

Nature inspires me. California sunsets, the ocean, and trees. Any kind of abstract art is incredibly inspiring. I love that it can mean something unique to each person.

How do you define success as an artist?

The passion and experience of the process is how I define success. I love the outcome and of course sharing it with the world. But the act of creating puts me into a blissful state of presence which I love.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Sometimes when I want to try out a new idea, theme or color scheme it can be difficult to precisely execute what’s in my head. Usually in these moments, I try to let go and focus only on the main ingredients for that piece. Sometimes it's a shape or color scheme and from there I just let my creativity flow with no pressure.

How has your style changed over time?

Over time I have evolved to really love utilizing alcohol inks as my primary medium. My style has expanded from very bright colors to more recently neutral tones.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

This painting, Coral Reef, is one of my favorites. I truly just let my creativity flow and this piece evolved over the course of several weeks. It reminds me of the gorgeous coral reefs in the Caribbean which is one of my favorite places to visit.

What do you love most about Burbank?

My best friend (we’ve been friends since we were 2 and both grew up in Memphis together) and her two sweet boys live here so that’s my number one reason! ;) I absolutely love the vibe in the Burbank neighborhoods. Everything is so walkable and there are so many gorgeous trees!

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I love cats! I lived in Shanghai, China for 4 years back in the late 2000’s and adopted 2 cats while I lived there. One is still with us, Sasha, and she is 16 years old.

Catch Lauren Jane Designs at Jackalope Burbank this December 9th & 10th!

Website: www.laurenjanedesigns.com

Instagram: @laurenjanedesigns

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 

I would say the ideas that I have, the way I create a world in my paintings. This is achieved by stylizing reality, perspective, and also including some unusual elements in each painting; things that won't happen in reality. I like to ask myself the question 'Why not?'

When do you feel the most creative? 

When I work. The more I paint or draw, the more ideas come.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received? 

I was in my last semester at Art Center College of Design, when one of my teachers told me that the one person who needs to like my work is myself. That was an excellent advice that came at the right time for me. It seems that it is easier for others to like my work, but I hold myself to a high standard and always want to do better with the next painting. I'm the hardest person to please, and that's how it should be - pushing myself to do better. 

What is something most people don't know about you?

Sometimes people wonder about my last name - I'm Bulgarian and it is actually pretty unique name there, only a couple of families on my dad's side have it. My heritage does influence my paintings - the settings in many of them tend to look more European as I miss the look and feel of Europe.

Where can we learn more about you? 

From my website: www.danyparagouteva.com  

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
I would say my work is a rustic, modern combination. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I am inspired by my every day, my life! I have the opportunity to experience so many people, places, ideas, and adventures, all of which I completely adore. With in each of those I find unique inspirations. 

When do you feel the most creative?
Ahh... in the mountains. Smile.

What is your creative process like?
My process starts with a 14ft. piece of wood and ends up with a handful of smaller pieces of art work. Creating the original paintings, grinding and sanding the wood, cutting it all up and transferring my paintings involves a lot of hands on kind of love. By the end of the entire process it most definitely feels like a very unique and custom piece of art. I love every step!

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
Enjoy the process of what you do most. 

Where can we learn more about you?
http://www.sage8studio.com
www.facebook.com/sage8studio
www.instagram.com/sage8studio

Shop Sage 8 Studio at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on July 25th & 26th at EXDO Event Center.