LAUREN CASSAR
Lutruwita based artist, mother and art therapist, Lauren Cassar forms a visual and conceptual language in an attempt to find footing amongst a repetitive, mundane home amidst the raw.
Lauren's intimate work contemplates the meeting of two contrary experiences - the domestic and the wild - in pursuit of a more balanced, grounded and connected way of being. With a visceral practice that subsumes experimentation across various material explorations - primarily painting and textiles - Lauren's work appears at once in motion yet pauses on the simple, instinctual practice of nesting.
What's your name and what do you do?
My name is
Lauren Elise
Cassar. I’m a mother to my 4yo son Rui, and my 5 month old daughter Vera. I’m an artist and founder of
Mirador, a home for my creative projects. I’m also a fully qualified and accredited art psychotherapist in
private practice, specialising in attachment, perinatal support for mothers and development therapy for children.
What is your personal approach to your style?
I love good quality basics which feature details in fabric choice combined with 70s inspired floral blouses. I live in a quiet coastal town in Tasmania, so I prioritise comfortable, refined layers and neutral knits in winter and simple throw on dresses with full sleeves or a fun collar in summer.
Lauren wears the Delia Dress in White
Take us through your creative process, how do you find focus and what drives you?
As a mother-artist with young children, I am mostly incubating ideas as I breastfeed my daughter or make snacks for my son, and when I get the chance to be in my studio I put my head down and paint - there is nothing that gets in my way.
"My time to create is finite, however completely necessary for my wellbeing. I need to paint, as the act of creating and the outcome/expression helps me process not only the intricacies of life, but the immense depth and wonder of it."
Who, what or where is inspiring you right now?
I’m very sentimental and collect moments in time, which I store in my memory bank to inspire an artwork.
"Most of my paintings tell a simple story of a mundane moment but I consciously pause and relish in its magic."
For example, placing a bowl of porridge on the breakfast table for my son. Being a provider of nutrients, warm and loving food to fill his belly up for the day, the warmth of the bowl in my hand. All of it goes into my work.s a mother-artist with young children, I am mostly incubating ideas as I breastfeed my daughter or make snacks for my son, and when I get the chance to be in my studio I put my head down and paint - there is nothing that gets in my way.
In a world where digital presence is crucial, how do you maintain authenticity in your online?
I try to remember that as long as I’m authentic, I’m giving someone else permission to be the same. Being myself creates trust and connection with others, and I in turn receive this from others. I don’t force my presence. I post only when I feel inspired to. It is freeing.
Tell us about a project something you’re working on thats exciting you right now?
I’m so excited to have recently released a print series called “What Do You See?” designed for children’s spaces. These artworks hope to serve as a gentle reminder of the magic created within the dance of everyday family life. They offer a moment of connection, as you look at them together, I encourage the inquiry, “What do you see?” before lights out. It’s a tender ritual to wind down and embrace the magic that lingers just before sleep.
