Lauren Lewis was exposed to fiber arts as a child. She explored acting before crochet found her. Inspired by the world around her, Lauren creates mystical creatures and wearable art with a sense of life and realism.
How did you get started making fiber art? Why did you choose that medium? Or did it choose you?
I began making fiber art after experimenting with various mediums and finding that it resonated with me the most.
Growing up, my nan used to knit and sew, so I was always exposed to fiber arts. When I started exploring different artistic avenues, fiber art seemed to naturally draw me in because of this familiarity.
It wasn’t a deliberate decision to choose this medium; rather, it was something that I found myself naturally gravitating towards. I found joy and fulfillment in working with fibers, and it became a creative outlet that I continued to explore and develop over time.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
So in a sense, you could say that fiber art chose me, as it was one of the mediums that I tried and found to be the most compelling and engaging.
What do you do differently? What is your signature that makes your work stand out as yours?
What sets my work apart is my dedication to infusing it with a sense of life and realism. Whether I’m crafting mythical creatures or wearable art, my goal is to make them appear as though they could come to life at any moment.
I strive to achieve this by meticulously detailing each piece, ensuring that even fantastical beings exude a sense of tangibility. When it comes to wearable art, I aim to capture moments that could easily be mistaken for scenes from a movie, creating an immersive and captivating experience for the viewer.
This dedication to creating lifelike and dynamic pieces is what defines my signature style and makes my work stand out as uniquely mine.
What inspires you to create?
I find inspiration to create from within, as I see art as a means of expressing my soul and giving visual form to the landscapes of my inner world.
Each piece I create is a reflection of my thoughts, emotions, and experiences, woven together. Additionally, I am motivated by the desire to inspire others in their own creative endeavors.
Whether through my photography or artwork, I aim to ignite a spark in others, encouraging them to delve deeper into their passions and strive for excellence in their craft. It brings me joy to see others inspired to push the boundaries of their own creativity, and this mutual exchange of inspiration fuels my drive to continue creating.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I find my inspiration for my designs through the amazing designers who I work with. Crafty Intentions is one such designer who creates the most magical mystical creatures. Megan, the owner of Crafty Intentions, has been an incredible mentor to me, teaching me so much along the way. Without her guidance and support, I don’t think I’d be where I am today as a creator. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Megan on some exciting projects, including book covers and other endeavors that are currently in the works. I’m eagerly looking forward to sharing these projects soon.
Similarly, designers like Sylvie Damey and Goldie from The Creatrix in the Matrixx create beautiful hood patterns that ignite my imagination. Their designs inspire me to push the boundaries of my creativity and bring my visions to life. Without designers like these, I couldn’t manifest what’s in my head into reality. I am forever thankful for the support and inspiration they provide me with.
How do you make time for creating? Do you try to create daily?
I carve out time for creating by incorporating it into my daily routine, often multitasking during downtime at my canvas-making shop. While at work, I dedicate a significant portion of my free moments to crocheting, finding that it’s where I’m most productive. Surprisingly, I find myself crocheting more at my shop than at home.
Describe your creative space.
My creative space is unconventional. Situated within a bustling shopping mall, my workspace doubles as a canvas-making shop where I spend much of my time.
Despite the distractions inherent in such a location, I find that this environment fuels my creativity rather than hinders it.
Surrounded by the ebb and flow of shoppers, I’m inspired by the dynamic energy of the space. The constant movement and activity serve as a backdrop for my creative endeavors, providing a unique source of stimulation.
Although it may seem unusual, I’ve discovered that I am most productive and innovative in this setting, often finding myself more creatively engaged here than in the comfort of my own home.
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
I don’t typically use a sketchbook or journal for my creative process. Instead, I rely on my ability to visualize ideas in my mind’s eye. I find that I’m adept at imagining designs and color combinations before I even begin crafting them. This mental process allows me to develop my work internally, refining details and compositions without the need for external sketches.
While some artists find value in sketching out their ideas, I personally find that my creativity flows more freely when I can translate my visions directly into my work, relying on intuition and imagination to guide me.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I typically prefer to start a new project once I’ve completed my current one. I find that focusing on one project at a time allows me to give it my full attention and dedication.
My attention span isn’t the longest, so if I were to switch between multiple projects, there’s a risk that some might never get finished. By concentrating on one task at a time, I can ensure that each project receives the time and effort it deserves, leading to a greater sense of satisfaction upon completion.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
The inspiration and process behind one of my recent works, such as a cyberpunk hood, often stem from whatever captures my imagination and passion at the moment. Currently, I’m deeply fascinated by the cyberpunk aesthetic, with its futuristic and edgy elements, so I’ve been creating a series of cyberpunk hoods.
Ultimately, each work is a reflection of my current aesthetic obsession and creative exploration. Whether it’s cyberpunk hoods or other themed creations.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
My favorite part of the design process is definitely photographing my finished projects. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my creations come to life in the real world, capturing the essence of the vision I had in my mind. Through photography, I can showcase the intricate details and unique qualities of each piece.
On the other hand, if I’m designing the pattern myself, I find the mathematical aspect to be the most challenging. While I thoroughly enjoy the creative aspect of designing, the mathematical calculations required can be quite daunting for me. It doesn’t come naturally, so I’ve had to learn certain shortcuts and techniques to navigate through this aspect of the process. Despite the challenges, I’ve found ways to overcome them, allowing me to continue creating and sharing my designs with others.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is to “embrace the cringe.” It’s a reminder that when starting out, especially when sharing creative work on social media, it’s normal to feel awkward or self-conscious.
Initially, there might be feelings of silliness or embarrassment, but it’s crucial to push through those discomforts. In hindsight, embracing that initial cringe and pushing forward with sharing my creations has been immensely rewarding. It’s led to growth, learning, and the development of my skills as an artist.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
To stay motivated and engaged in my work, I actively seek out new patterns and experiment with different yarns. Exploring patterns from various designers allows me to discover fresh techniques and approaches, keeping my creative process dynamic and exciting.
Depending on my mood and energy level, I may choose patterns that require minimal mental effort for relaxation or opt for more complex designs to challenge myself. This balance between familiarity and novelty keeps my interest piqued and fuels my passion for crochet.
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person?
The first time I realised I was a creative person was during my time acting and at stage school. Back then, my creativity was channeled into performing on stage, where I felt a sense of fulfillment and expression. However, as I continued on that path, I discovered that it didn’t fully resonate with me.
It was a pivotal moment when I realized that although I was creative, my true calling lay elsewhere. This realization prompted me to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring different avenues until I found what truly ignited my passion. And here I am now making and creating with yarn.
What traits, if any, do you think that creative people have as compared to people who are not creative?
Creativity often manifests in the unique perspective through which creative individuals view the world.
Unlike those who may not identify as creative, we tend to perceive life through a lens of curiosity and imagination. Everyday experiences become sources of inspiration, whether it’s noticing the play of light and shadow in a mundane scene or finding beauty in the unexpected, like the color of a sweater in a charity shop.
We possess a heightened awareness of our surroundings, constantly seeking out opportunities to express ourselves and transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary. This ability to find inspiration in the seemingly trivial or overlooked aspects of life is a hallmark trait of creative individuals.
Where can people see your work?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok under Handmade By Lauren Lewis
Instagram @handmadebylaurenlewis
Facebook
TikTok
Browse through more crochet projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.