Altar Ego Design: The Curious Art of Lauren Miller

What is your favorite art medium to work in, and why?

Painting with coffee. How many other mediums are there that you can enjoy while you work? But really, anything from antique to vintage lace, doll parts and lost fragments to bone and taxidermy elements. I like to keep it strange. Photography is the most raw method of capturing and expressing a mood, idea, or concept cleanly and exquisitely. It is the medium I visit when I am feeling the most despair or doubt that never ceases to lift my chin from the depths.

When did you first figure out that art was important to you?

Since I could hold a pencil I never seemed to put it down for long. As a shy, quiet child I loved that I found a way to express myself in a way that was comfortable but still just as real.

Who is your art mentor?

I think recently I could say that my sudden interest in taxidermy was brought on by Sarina Brewer who pioneered the Rogue Taxidermy movement. On a general scale, my mom has always encouraged me to think outside of the box and stay creative. We still do little projects together though our styles are very different. Really, though the support and kindness of fellow local artists and galleries such as Christina Anastasia and Many Hands Gallery just to name a few have been huge. I will always be grateful for those who have uplifted me and believed in my work as well as the artist behind the art.

Finish this sentence: My art is my...

Passion. While it is a language just like any other that portrays what is within, my life is my own. Art is just one source of fuel to make the journey of life worthwhile.

What advice would you offer someone just beginning their exploration of their own artistic self?

My biggest struggle starting out was fear of the unknown. It's a very real rival that follows an artist on their journey, and at times can halt an artist entirely. I'll be very honest- Extroverted folks may naturally do well at meeting people, getting their work out there and taking big risks. If you are introverted, each step may feel twice as long, as tall, as wide and unattainable. But trust me. Every inch you take towards booking your first show, or pick up a brush despite nagging fear that what you produce wont be good enough, or set time aside to be creative. You are winning small battles that add up to great things. Don't ever give up and give in. Soon you may realize that feeling of conquering and overcoming doubt in every form it takes will never get old- And over time will empower you to make great art. My advice to those who may struggle with identity or concerned about how others may react to their art, their journey, or them as an artist: Play, be curious. Don't let your art become your identity. Let your art work for you, not as a substitute for who you are as a whole. We are not what others may think of us. We are much, much more.

Do you have a website or blog you would like us to link to?

For more about what I do, my art work and various social media outlets can be found on my website: www.altaregodesigns.com or reach out to me on Instagram: @altar_ego_design I am always open to inquiries and new locations to show!