I came across the etherial works of artist Lauren Adams on the web and knew I had to know more. Enjoy getting to know this blooming artist. 

Lauren Adams

West Virginia

What is your training? 

I hold a BA in Studio Art with a second concentration in French along with a BFA in Visual Art.

What inspires you and your designs?

My work is inspired by the natural world around me – my home in Appalachia. Especially remembered experiences, such as what it feels like to swim in the deep murky lake that I spent many childhood summer days on. Also, my paintings are about the nature of paint itself, and the process of making a painting.

What is your favorite piece? 

Right now I’m really into my “Deep Water” series of extra large canvases. The latest is “Deep Water – Sun Spot”

How has your area influenced your work?

This ties in to the second question for me. My home deeply influences my work, especially at the beginning of a painting. West Virginia is a beautiful place to live and every season has something different to reflect on. Ideas are sparked by the landscape around me and then the needs of the painting take it from there.

What is your favorite restaurant in ?

I have to go with an Italian place called Muriales. Like a lot of people in my area of West Virginia, I have Italian heritage, so any place with pasta sauce that is almost as good as my grandmother’s gets my vote!

What is your favorite cocktail?

Can’t say that I have one. I like wine and I’m not picky about what kind. Honestly, I gravitate more towards a good cup of coffee.

 How do you balance personal life and work?

There really isn’t much of a separation or balance for me. My husband and I are both painters, and our work is our life. Lately, I have recognized that we need more breaks and we do try to take time out for us to travel or have small outings, just to get us out of the studio and have time to unwind and refuel.

Dream trip?

I have been lucky to have taken a few dream trips to London and Paris – would love to go back! But also I would love to visit the small town where my family is from in Italy, Casalciprano.

Dream commission?

Anything big, where I am given a lot of freedom!

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

I love to bake, so I use that as a great excuse to try out a new recipe.

 Who is your style icon?

Ha, I don’t have a style icon, and a look through my closet would show that I am in desperate need of one! My wardrobe is built around comfort; I spend a lot of time working in leggings or comfy maxi dresses.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

I’d be crazy not to say my husband, Derek Overfield. He is the most hard-working artist I know. He creates gorgeous, powerful figure drawings and paintings. 

What is your most treasured possession?

It’s hard to pick one. I’m a very sentimental person and I hold on to many things (too many!). If I can have three, I’ll go with my grandmother’s family ring, recipes handwritten by my mother, or a bookmark Derek made for me as an anniversary gift.

What are you reading?

It’s been my busiest year yet in the studio, so I haven’t had a lot of time to read, but I love artist biographies in particular. I have a De Kooning bio waiting in the wings.

What are you listening to?

A favorite of mine is David Bowie – any era works for me! I have a decent collection of his records (some handed down from my uncle, others I picked up online or on that trip to London) that I play in the studio while I work.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I like to browse all of the regular art magazines periodically. I also love to catch up on blogs like “In The Make” https://inthemake.com/ or Escapade. https://www.escapadeblog.com/

 look at this fabulous install...