About
Meet Lauren Loraine, a seasoned artisan whose creative journey is as diverse as the materials she works with. Growing up surrounded by the scents of freshly cut wood and the aromas of her mother's culinary adventures, she found solace and inspiration in her father's woodworking shop. Despite feeling disconnected from traditional art forms like drawing, her innate curiosity and free-spirited nature led her down a path less traveled. Her winters are spent traversing the globe, immersing herself in art classes and volunteering on organic farms from Mexico to New Zealand. Her passion for weaving colorful narratives from nature's palette blossomed during her travels, where she honed her skills in silversmithing, paper-making, and felting across diverse cultures. A transformative winter spent apprenticing with the renowned bone carver and inlay artist, Chris Bones, in New Zealand ignited her fascination with wood and the art of inlay. Returning home, she embarked on a self-taught journey into woodworking, melding her experiences and collected treasures from her travels into unique creations. Determined to infuse her work with even more vibrancy, she delved into lapidary skills, mastering the art of cutting stones and experimenting with crushed stone inlays. In 2019, her dedication and talent were recognized when she was awarded the Maine CAP grant, affording her the opportunity to apprentice under the tutelage of master jeweler Nisa Smiley in Ellsworth, Maine. Continuously pushing the boundaries of her craft, she now seamlessly integrates metals into her pieces, constantly seeking new ways to harmonize diverse materials into captivating works of wearable art. With each meticulously crafted piece, she weaves together memories, scents, and sounds from her journeys, creating a tapestry of beauty that resonates with those who appreciate the intricate dance of nature's hues. Eager to explore new techniques and materials, she remains steadfast in her quest to elevate her artistry and leave a lasting impression on the world of jewelry design.