Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren West.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small conservative agriculture town in the San Joaquin Valley in the 90s, but as a child of divorce, my father moved to big cities such as San Francisco where culture really opened up to me. I’ve always entertained myself with art – ripping and reconstructing clothes back together and creating collages covering my walls. Sexuality was an early interest of mine. My family has a strong catholic background which had obvious influences. I started incorporated nudity into my art early on and that has evolved into fine art mixed media. I’ve become a multidisciplinary artist focused on collage, fashion & film. I am now a 3rd time producer and curator of a queer art erotic film festival called Failed Films and have worked with great people to create art for Playboy and the LA Times.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the hardest challenge was developing the confidence and self-awareness I needed to accept that I deserved to be unapologetically me & that my art was worth something. I think that’s an ongoing challenge for a lot of creative minds! “We deserve to do this!” (& make money from it).
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multidisciplinary artist who focuses on collage, film, & fashion.
In regards to collage, I source images from mid-century to late 1970s publications heavily featuring Playboy magazine reimagined in natural settings to evoke themes of feminism, sexuality, & vulnerability. Collage is my passion and my therapy. I have been lucky enough to have made collage works for Playboy & the Los Angeles Times.
I am a third-time producer and curator of a queer art erotic film festival called Failed Films. Failed Films is an immersive inclusive film & arts event which aims to create physical space for artists on the fringes. This project is dear to my heart & I am honored to be a part of it. With Failed Films, I hope to nurture & embolden emerging artists in a safe environment to embody their whole selves and be as shamelessly raw in their art as desired.
I became a first-time film director myself at Failed Films 2019, debuting The Empress, a tale of emerging sexuality told by bringing a tarot reading to life and I most recently debuted APHESIN a story about trauma and how it is processed told through Greek Mythology.
My latest fashion endeavor is through a small business I call “Far Out West” where I design/create made to order modern fashion wear.
What matters most to you? Why?
Community. I think it’s easy to feel really lost and alone when you don’t have the support and love of others. My chosen family has given me every reason to feel comfortable in my skin even when I feel the most insecure. Being able to give that love back and hold space for each other and try to uplift one another’s art and meet each other’s needs means the most to me. Sometimes that means giving space and other times it means running to their doorstep at a moment’s notice. I am eternally grateful for my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: lauren-west.com
- Instagram: elleuu
