Lauren grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and was influenced at an early age by the wonderful art collection, both Native and non-Native, held at Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Refuge just a few miles away from her childhood home. The wildlife and people of that area still play a substantial role in her work today.
Discouraged from pursuing fine art as a career by her parents (with the best of intentions), Lauren obtained a BFA in Textile Design from the University of Kansas.
It wasn’t until her early 40’s that she made her way to a painting class. Four years later, she had her first solo show which was hosted in the historic bunkhouse at Woolaroc.
Since then, Lauren has had solo shows at the renowned Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City, several Oklahoma galleries, and just completed her fourth stint at the prestigious Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts, Oklahoma’s largest art festival.
Lauren was also featured in the Art Gallery section of the January 2023 issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine, and has served as the Allied Arts 2023 Step Up Artist supplying over 1100 customized art prints to donors throughout the Oklahoma City metro area.
Statement
Figurative painter, Lauren Florence, explores the intricate relationships between people and animals in her work. Often working from vintage photographs, Lauren combines elements, layers, and vibrant color to create a narrative in each piece, working toward moments of awe or wonder.
“I want to create work that is immediately joyful, with narratives that give the viewer pause, pique their interest, and transport them in a positive way.”