Artist Statement

My name is Lauren and I am an Inclusive Multimedia Artist, mainly focusing on three-dimensional methods of art making. My vision when it comes to the world of art is that it is not only for me as the artist, but for the viewer to find themselves lost in the artwork I create. I love the idea of creating something from nothing, using everyday items or materials to create show-stopping artwork. Previous projects have played their part in forming me as an artist. They have shown me how I enjoy to create art on a larger scale and push the limits of what I can do. This is whether making artwork as part of a group exhibition or individually. Time working as a creative arts practitioner has allowed me to acknowledge the importance of making my artwork inclusive of all abilities, something that will be portrayed throughout my current project, ‘message in a bottle.’



While sitting on the benches behind Pontypridd Museum before lockdown, I enjoyed the view of the Taff River and was inspired to create work in response to the fishermen that could be seen in the distance, and the need to preserve the river and its wildlife. When looking at my exhibition work, you will see that it has many different meanings, some of which you will inevitably interpret for yourselves. The artwork is assembled using a wide range of basic and recyclable, everyday materials, such as plastic bottles to create the vibrant fish that are shown as they flow with the movement of the great wave. These were made as part of workshops facilitated locally with the public before lockdown. Reflecting on having to complete the artwork during lockdown, I then wanted to encourage members of the public to send me their “messages in a bottle”, without leaving the comfort and safety of their homes. The public responses collected provided hope, well wishes for the future and positive messages for our society. A handful of these have been stitched into the wave in representation and an audio of a poem I wrote in response accompanies the artwork. This is to help transport the viewer to the sea and connect with the work