About Lauren
yes, I wear a bunch of hats
I studied at UCLA at a unique moment in time where astounding artists happen to have gathered. Under Charles Ray, Chris Burden, Gary Winogrand, Alexis Smith, Jan Stussy and others, I received a mind-blowing art education. In the summers, working for Larry Gagosian in his Hollywood gallery, we had shows of up-and-coming artists like Robert Mapplethorpe and young NY graffiti artists Basquiat and Haring.
Fast forward to Boston where I eventually found a way to make art and make a living: as an illustrator.
Fast forward again to Upton MA: Husband, daughter, dog, illustration career....
Then I got some chickens.
One of those chickens, Lucy, fell ill and could no longer walk.
Lucy took me on a fantastic journey of drama and terror and friendship and loss and growth.
I had to write this story. So I did. I wrote and illustrated and photographed the epic tale of a small flock of chickens.
Once Upon a Flock: Life with My Soulful Chickens was published by Atria (Simon and Schuster) in 2013, and made the Publisher's Weekly list of Most Anticipated Memoirs.
Wild publicity followed; I was invited to speak at the L.A.Times Festival of Books, where my book sold out.... who knew there were so many chicken-lovers out there? Then on to Austin for the Funky Chicken Coop tour, then the Westport CT Coop tour, and beyond!
Now, with the chickens and the art and the painting and the teaching, I hope I don't confuse you with all the hats I'm balancing on this pointy head.
But it's all fun. And that is the best lesson I've learned from my soulful flock.
If the sun's shining, it's a good day.
I paint, I fill sketchbooks, I teach wild workshops.
Feel free to contact me!
Have fun. It's important.
Lauren