Meet Lauren BC Robinson | Contemporary Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren BC Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren BC, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
One beautiful mountain day, I realized I could make ends meet by only creating art: a gratifying experience that extends far beyond just a financial reward. Not unlike so many, a passionate hobby became a career. I initially tried the conventional path: college then post graduate studies which were followed by the corporate world. Throughout most of those years, I drew and painted on the side; Often for pleasure or escape, but also as part of my studies and traditional work. More specifically, prior to being a full-time artist, I studied Studio Art at Vanderbilt University, and subsequently completed post graduate studies in Fashion Design at Parsons New School of Design. Manhattan and Fashion were supposed to be my lifelong dream and happy place. Instead, after several years in the NYC Fashion Industry, I felt empty and depleted. I looked at my life honestly one day: I was in a toxic marriage and in a horrible working environment for my inner well-being. Worst of all, I was drinking more and more to fill a void. I was not even creating anything beautiful anymore. I didn’t paint or draw at all for the last dark year in NY. One day, I looked in the mirror and was unrecognizable physically and mentally. With confirmation from close family members that, “No Lauren, this definitely isn’t you,” I rented a car and left the city, my marriage, and alcohol in the rear-view mirror. With grace and support, I arrived sober in Sun Valley, Idaho just over four years ago. Sun Valley had everything I needed at the time: fresh air, beautiful scenery, horses, dogs, and a plethora of very creative, talented, successful, and supportive sober people. I related to everything and everyone.
Thanks to lovely close friends, I worked a few months part-time inside a gallery / antique consignment store. It reminded me that I did have a knack for sales, probably because I love art and people. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to pay all the bills. I then tried inside sales in a more corporate role, and once again was personally unfulfilled. But it paid more bills. Somewhere during that first year in Idaho, I dusted off my paint brushes and started rewarding myself at the end of each day… but only after making X number of sales calls and emails. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), while still “going through the sales motions,” an old Vanderbilt friend reached out and asked if I took commissions. She wanted what I now refer to as a “pet portrayal” vs. a pet portrait; Something a little more personal and with an edge. (Thank you Kari Cohen). That was October 2020 and by Christmas 2020, I had received 20+ commissioned “Pet Portrayals” all from referrals and spanning the country. I still had a bit of savings, and the momentum existed to try my hand at painting full time. Thus, a few months later I established Madebylbcr, LLC. Today, my gratitude list is endless.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is still quite fluid. I started with mainly dogs and a handful of cats. Not surprisingly, riding again has led to a few horse paintings. I do understand a horse’s muscles and movements quite well. It makes me crazy when I see an equestrian piece mischaracterized. And while acrylic is still my preferred medium, two former clients almost simultaneously took note of my detailed graphite drawings from many years ago. I sold two pieces from my early college days and several “human form” commissioned pieces followed. Mostly black and white, but a couple of colorful mixed media works as well. That led me to experimenting more with drawing and painting the human form. I definitely am much better at the body’s details post-Parsons, and since pre-Parsons body work was selling, I had to further explore that space. I am not afraid to do very personal commissioned pieces of the body or bodies. I am a good listener, and I have always been tight lipped which allows for a lot of trust. Again, still fluid. I hope to always be fluid. I will attempt just about anything but what I won’t do is tell a client, “Yes I can do that,” if it doesn’t feel right in my gut.  I think what sets my art apart today is that I actually enjoy working on commissioned pieces whereas most artists do not. Commissioned art can be tricky for a host of reasons. It is a delicate balance of ensuring the client has a finished product that fulfills their original vision, while maintaining artistic license so that each work is unique and mine. Before I begin a new commission I spend significant time interviewing the client and listening to their goals. This often includes viewing not just their space but anything related to the end goal. There are the obvious variables: size, color scheme, etc. but more importantly, is there an emotion or personality a client needs portrayed? The end result is often so much better than what is expected. Sometimes clients come to me with, “I loved the following piece on your site because X, Y and Z. I want you to have free rein for something similar.” Well even that is not as easy as it sounds. Unlike some, I will never copy a piece of art, even my own. That’s the beauty of it: every piece is one-of-a-kind and unique to the client. I want everyone to feel personally connected to their commissioned piece. I feel extremely grateful to say I have not had a dissatisfied client yet!
As far as my original non-commissioned creations, I have not had a tremendous amount of time for heavy volume just yet. Thus far, the commissioned pieces pay the bills. However, I have been building a small collection more recently that I’m really excited about. Interestingly, at shows what sells often surprises me. Sometimes the most viewed, and / or my favorite experimental pieces sit, while others move unexpectedly fast. Next time we speak, I hope I have some interesting examples of a direction I will be exploring for a while.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother, Lisa Antry. Without her support to leave behind a life that was no longer serving me, I would not be where I am today. Every time I have fallen, she has been there to physically and emotionally help me put back together the pieces. She was also the one who strongly encouraged me to pursue art as a full-time career. I would not have believed just anyone though. First, she has always been an avid art collector, so I trust her eye. Second, and more important, all she has ever wanted for my sister and me is good health and happiness. If it weren’t for my mother’s unwavering friendship, I would not be here today answering your questions!  Also, a million thanks to both Elizabeth Tierney and Nicole Brass for getting me back on a horse. Riding so many beautiful places, Sun Valley for one, but also special spiritual spots inclusive of Scottsdale most recently, brought me to another level of happiness and strength.
Lastly, I would also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my sobriety and everyone who has been part of my painful, beautiful, enlightening journey. To my 12 step recovery program and my Higher Power, I owe my life really. I know that to some, that is an all too common, perhaps even a boring phrase. But when you have walked that path, it just has to be said… again and again, “if it saves one person.”

Website: https://www.madebylbcr.com

Instagram: @madebylbcr

Image Credits
Kelly Powers (AZ sunset photo)