We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Cohen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I’m super stoked to be an artist—it feels like it’s the only path I could take! When I moved to New York, I realized I had to get creative with how I approached my work. So, I started turning my part-time day jobs into raw material. One of my favorite projects so far is “Gallerina,” which was inspired by my time working at an art gallery in Chelsea. Before that, I had a pretty wild gig as a cue card girl for Saturday Night Live.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a visual artist living and working in New York City, but I grew up in historic Old Salem Village. The macabre and theatrics of that place have really had an influence on me and my work. I’ve been exploring themes of control, power and human psychology. I have a daily drawing routine where I allow myself to be radically honest. After a few years of balancing whatever job I’m doing, I go through hundreds of sketches and pull them together into a graphic novel. From there, I bring those stories to life through paintings, sculptures, and even comedic performances that get into my insecurities, dreams, failures, and everything that makes up the inner workings of my mind.
I never thought this work would turn out to be as therapeutic as it has been—let alone that other people would connect with it. For me, it’s all about diving deep into self-awareness while also exploring how the world around us shapes how we see things. There’s always a sense of hope in my work, and I like showing that through humor and empathy.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I’ve gotten really good at pivoting! At 18, I left New England to study at California College of the Arts in the Bay Area. In 2012, I went across the pond to London, earning my Master’s in Painting at the Royal College of Art. Then came another big leap—New York in 2018—where I had to rebuild my network from scratch after years in the UK. I sometimes wonder what life would have been like if I had stayed in my small hometown, but I know that making these moves into the unknown has shaped me. Every pivot has pushed me to grow, adapt, and create—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Sharing my work with others has sparked thought-provoking conversations that I deeply value. I am especially drawn to engaging with individuals who have the courage to explore and discuss complex societal issues. If my work can serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, then I believe it is fulfilling its purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurencohenstudio.com
- Instagram: @laurencohenstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-c-4507631a/
Image Credits
Holland Rainwater @hollandrainwater Courtesy of the artist and The Hole @theholenyc Samuel Morgan Photography & Spring/Break 2023 (Curated by Field Projects) @sammysachs @springbreakartshow @fieldprojects