Photo credit: select images courtesy of @observer.studios.
In just a few short weeks, Lauren Sylvia has made extraordinary progress in her residency at the Orange Art Center, creating a deeply personal and emotionally resonant body of work. Our studio is now alive with rich, layered compositions and sculptures that reflect a bold mix of experimentation and intention. Through abstraction, she’s exploring texture, form, and color to give shape to memories, feelings, and moments of reflection.
Lauren’s current focus is a series inspired by the memory of her beloved cat, a companion who was by her side for most of her life. These works are not literal representations, but poetic interpretations, visual meditations on presence, comfort, and connection. Layers of texture suggest a sense of warmth and familiarity, while the forms themselves gesture toward time, movement, and emotional resonance. Symbols emerge within the compositions, offering glimpses of intimate moments without revealing everything at once. Each work is still in progress, a quiet act of remembrance and a celebration of the enduring bond many of us share with our animals.
Reflecting on the process, Lauren shares:
"My experience at the Orange Art Center has been truly incredible, something I’ll never forget and will always be grateful for. Having a spacious studio to spread out and let my ideas flow has deeply impacted the way my work has evolved.
The project I’m currently working on has been a powerful part of my healing journey after losing my soul pet, Twila. It’s helped me realize that this wasn’t just a loss, but also a new beginning. Through experimenting with different materials and techniques, I’ve found ways to reconnect with her on a deeper level.
I intentionally include childlike elements—crayon-like textures and scribbles—not only to reflect that I had Twila since I was young, but also because grief often brings us back to the ways we coped as children. My hope is that others will see the work and feel a sense of nostalgia and remembrance for the animals they’ve had soul ties with.
I’m so thankful that Orange has allowed me to extend my stay and continue exploring these themes, giving me the time and space to create a meaningful and impactful show. I look forward to connecting with the community and hearing their thoughts and questions along the way."
The result is a collection that feels both personal and universal, inviting viewers to consider the relationships that shape us and the ways we carry them forward.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow Lauren’s journey.
Coming Soon: Q&A with the Artist
We’ll be sitting down with Lauren for a special Q&A, and we’d love to include your questions. If there’s something you’re curious about, such as her process, inspiration, or materials, email us your questions at artcenter@orangecsd.org. Stay tuned for the full interview in the weeks ahead.
