Lauren Armstrong

Joshua Advincula

What are you working on now?

A new body of paintings, compiling more drawings to eventually turn into

paintings, making one-off zines, trying to balance life/work.

Describe your process – how do you work, and how do you make time to make work? Is it something you’re always doing/thinking about?

I try not to force things too much, a big part of my practice is letting things naturally occur. Sometimes I’ll go for weeks or months without drawing/painting, then something will click

and I’ll create a bunch of things in a short amount of time. I always carry around a little sketchbook and draw when an idea comes up. I tend to draw in big social settings as a means to escape conversation because I find it really hard to keep up in a room full of people; this is when I usually get my “best” ideas for compositions for future paintings.

There’s a sense of humour and lightheartedness in your work – do you agree? If so, has it always been this way?

I’d say so. I try not to take things too seriously. Sometimes I make work that’s

pretty carefree. I think it depends on what mood I’m in. Sometimes I have a lot to say and sometimes I don’t.

Did you receive any formal training? What are your thoughts on art school?

I haven’t had any formal training. I’m very grateful to have had a great art teacher in grade 11 and I still keep her in mind when I make work (thanks Jan!).

I’m still learning things as I go. As far as art school goes, I don’t have an opinion. I’ve heard mixed opinions on art school that I’ve come to the conclusion that “art school” is what you make of it.

While your work certainly has a recognizable style, you use many different mediums – is there one you prefer to work with the most? Why?

I’d say I prefer oil pastel the most, it allows me to work quickly as I don’t have much of an attention span, nor the patience, to sit down with a single work for

too long. It’s also not as forgiving as other mediums and I have to live with the marks I’ve made (most of the time)
.

You also do graffiti (not in a narc-y way lol), how does your approach to that differ from your art practice? Do they influence each other?

Lol, I guess things progressed (from “graffiti” to more “fine art”) naturally, I didn’t really think about it too much  — I don’t think about things too much when I make work.

A lot of my work comes from a ‘stream of consciousness’. I make things to distract myself from the things that usually cause me anxiety. I guess the speed/rate of which I work at is similar to painting “GrAfF”. I tend to work pretty quickly. Also I guess the reoccurring/repetition of the same objects/themes are something I can attribute to gRafFiTi.

What’s inspiring you right now? 

My mom, my dad. Trying to make them proud. Being raised in an immigrant household, making “art” as a career path definitely isn’t the norm and

I’m trying to prove to them and to myself that it’s something that can be viable for my life going forward. Oh and my daughter babykiss (my cat) who I must provide for, to give her a comfortable life and give her the opportunities I never had.

Do you have a “go-to” routine when you’re feeling lost or uninspired? 

Usually taking a step back from making things, spending time with friends,

finding new music to listen to, working out or playing basketball.

Do you feel that living in Toronto helps or hinders your work? Do you feel a sense of community/support here? 

It definitely helps. I was met with open arms and I’m so grateful to be a part of such a supportive community. I’ve met so many great people in such a short amount of time.

Whenever I have a question about how to approach or proceed with projects I can always ask someone and they’ll give me the best advice they can, and for that I’m grateful.
Shout outs my mama, my pop, my homies and bb and bbkiss. And thanks to whoever took the time to read this : – )