Lauren Carter

Lives and works in Chicago, IL, USA

Artist statement

My studio practice strives to communicate ideas of loss, the acts of giving and of receiving a gift, and the burden of sentimentality. I’m interested in the power and persuasive nature of mundane, domestic objects and collectible kitsch. I believe the things we save and keep carry the weight of our identities through the memories of our experiences. Notions of vulnerability and nostalgia are expressed in my work through the inclusion of found and broken trinkets, scrap materials, and saved personal items. Metaphors for identity and memory are presented through mixed media sculptures and installations inspired by the domestic act of collecting. Reminiscent of roadside memorials, altars, and flower bouquets, these works are amalgamations of unmade objects and discards which are constructed with materials that expand, envelop, and coil to embody ambiguous narratives. Lauren Carter

Artwork

• Grand Caymann 1977, 2018. Conch shell, flocked deer, bath mat, other shells, citrine quartz crystals, part of my studio broom, sequins, foil ribbon, fuzzy ball, flocking powder, foam tubing, expandable foam, epoxy clay, acrylic paint, wood, hydrocal, fishing wire, fake crystal
• Grand Caymann 1977, 2018. Conch shell, flocked deer, bath mat, other shells, citrine quartz crystals, part of my studio broom, sequins, foil ribbon, fuzzy ball, flocking powder, foam tubing, expandable foam, epoxy clay, acrylic paint, wood, hydrocal, fishing wire, fake crystal
• Bottoms Up, 2018. Vintage girdle, used straws from one shift at my bartending job, ceramic vase, quartz crystals, necktie, two necklaces, denim pocket, fake flowers, floam, epoxy clay, expandable foam, acrylic, silicone, duct tape, wall shelf
• Bottoms Up, 2018. Vintage girdle, used straws from one shift at my bartending job, ceramic vase, quartz crystals, necktie, two necklaces, denim pocket, fake flowers, floam, epoxy clay, expandable foam, acrylic, silicone, duct tape, wall shelf
• The One that's like a Cake (It's all for you), 2017. Two cake stands, fake flowers, fabric scraps, quartz crystals, amethysts, old jewelry, snail shells from Spain, ceramic Care Bear, plastic key chain, old buttons, shiny garbage found on the street, plastic barrettes, oyster shells, beads, random studio detritus, foam tubing, hot glue, crayon wax, caulking silicone, epoxy putty, expandable foam, hydrocal, acrylic paint, glitter, scrap wood, found cabinet.
• The One with all the Pearls , 2018. Pearls, peach had cream container, ceramic jesus, fake roses, jewelry display, tape, expandable foam, epoxy clay, silicone, acrylic paint, plastic wrap, found table
• Good Dog (The one with twin toupees), 2018. Ceramic dogs, plastic dog, two toupees, yarn, brooches, corn holders, fake flowers, feathers, buttons, plastic ball, parts of a stuffed animal, bird cage, beads, paper tassel, toothbrush holder, plastic house, foam tubing, toy fence, earrings, fake grapes, plaster pedestal, wood, acrylic paint, spray paint, epoxy putty, duct tape, fuzzy balls, floam, expandable foam
• Good Dog (The one with twin toupees), 2018. Ceramic dogs, plastic dog, two toupees, yarn, brooches, corn holders, fake flowers, feathers, buttons, plastic ball, parts of a stuffed animal, bird cage, beads, paper tassel, toothbrush holder, plastic house, foam tubing, toy fence, earrings, fake grapes, plaster pedestal, wood, acrylic paint, spray paint, epoxy putty, duct tape, fuzzy balls, floam, expandable foam
• The One with the Little Owl , 2018. Ceramic owl, alligator foot, part of a stuffed animal, vase, rubber grapes, beads, rubber ball, fuzzy ball, old jewelry, expandable foam, epoxy clay, brass rod, Plastidip, acrylic paint
• Crown Jewels, 2018. Ceramic figure, fake fruit, holiday ornament, expandable foam, plastic jewels, coils, fuzzy balls, lace, fake flowers, tinsel, acrylic paint, epoxy putty, lamp base, wood
• Catch and Release , 2018. Finger trap, two brooches, two pins, a sleeve from a fox fur coat, hydrocal, epoxy putty, wall sconce
• Pretty Birds , 2018. Twin wall sconces, twin ceramic birds, two plastic chains, two fake flowers, shower rings, necklace, Koosh ball, other toy ball, expandable foam, spray paint, acrylic paint
• Pretty Birds , 2018. Twin wall sconces, twin ceramic birds, two plastic chains, two fake flowers, shower rings, necklace, Koosh ball, other toy ball, expandable foam, spray paint, acrylic paint
• Pretty Birds , 2018. Twin wall sconces, twin ceramic birds, two plastic chains, two fake flowers, shower rings, necklace, Koosh ball, other toy ball, expandable foam, spray paint, acrylic paint