“I look to capture the moment, not as it is, but as it is felt.” Lauren Esplin on her work in GIGANTIC

Lauren Esplin painting in her art studio on Sydney's northern beaches.

We are thrilled to welcome back the outstanding Lauren Esplin to Tyger for GIGANTIC - our upcoming show of artists working on a grand scale.

Lauren is an artist based in Sydney’s Northern Beaches whose distinctive and much-loved work captures the distinct beauty of beach culture and the Australian coastline. Her beautiful paintings combine abstracted coastal landscapes with detailed figures.

We absolutely LOVE her work, and are so delighted to welcome her back for GIGANTIC.

Her work in the show is The Buoyancy of Water - a stunning 123x123cm acrylic on canvas work.

Ahead of the show opening, Lauren told us about feeling calm in water, capturing moments as they feel, and the challenges of working on a grand scale.

Tell us the story of this work. What inspired it? What does it mean to you?

“I saw a group of girls floating together in the sea water. They were seemingly carefree, in the moment, carried by the water and enjoying each other's company.” 

“I reflected on my own experiences of being immersed in water and the feelings of calm and mental weightlessness that comes with the physical bouyancy. This artwork speaks to that connection.”

Tell us about how you created your work.

“I used a sponge to softly texture the canvas. Then, I overlayed this with my depiction of the water using some lavender brushstrokes, along with the teal, as it represents calm and relaxation.”

“I look to capture the moment, not as it is, but as it is felt. The finer detailed figures were then overlayed. Final reflections and glistens merged the scene together.”

What particular challenges came from working on a piece of this size?

“I actually love working at a larger scale. Obviously, it takes a lot longer to fill such a large canvas but I love the impact a piece this size provides.”

What do you hope people feel when they see your work?

“I hope this artwork evokes their own experiences and memories of floating in water and the feelings of calm it can provide.”

Join us to celebrate the opening of this spectacular show on Saturday 26 April, 1-3pm.

Register now to secure your spot at this FREE event. You’ll be first to see all the works in GIGANTIC, and you’ll get to meet the artists involved.