Meet Lauren.

Meet Lauren Leandres, an integrated media student at the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU). Leandres' aberrant art style is nonpareil but undoubtedly will influence others' works without question. From her haunting sketches of warped faces and exaggerated features to films that, without words, depict the discomfort in one's body, there is something in each medium that Leandres can perfect. I asked about her illustrations and films, inspirations, and favourite piece in this interview.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? 

Mainly, my inspiration comes from my close friends – I film what I know. I have been so fortunate with the people who have come in and out of my life during my adolescence, their endless support has given me the creative drive to produce work since 2014. My freshman year of high school was the ‘kickstart’ of my journey in short films, I had two friends through high school that were more so family, we were tightly knit and I wanted to capture my fleeting teen years. I would pick up my camera and film them doing whatever, I felt it was obligatory to record our small adventures so I would never forget them or how good things were. As I grew up and experienced more I felt a shift in not only my work but in my perception of reality as well.  My work now is conceptualizations of my thoughts and experiences surrounding personal hardships. I draw inspiration from the things I thought I wanted to forget. I am currently in the process of integrating these two aspects of my filmmaking process, in hopes to create something that truly depicts the importance of human connection. 

When did you first start illustrating & making videos?

Illustrating has been something that has been in my life the same amount as everyone; kindergarten, obligatory class in high school, to doodling in notebooks during class. It was not very significant to me – I wanted to be a filmmaker (since 14) and that was it. When I got to university, I was consumed by illustration. In art school, you do not get to declare your major until 2nd year, first-year is spent exploring different art forms- mandatory drawing, painting, and sculpture classes. At first, this pissed me off, I wanted to study what I wanted. However, for my drawing class, I was blessed with an amazing Professor who really understood us as individuals, not his students. He expressed the versatility of drawing, and even let me submit a short film for an assignment. Surely enough, I fell in love with the medium and my sketchbook could not be pried off me. 

Why did you pick integrated media at OCAD?

OCADU has always been a school that I’ve heard someone talking about – my Grandmother had dreams of going there, however, she was told by her mother she would need to pick something practical. I think that was something sitting in the back of my mind when I initially applied. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything inspirational to say about my choice – it was on a whim. OUAC says you get three choices, so I picked OCADU because I could not think of anything else, and somehow got in. The shock of getting into art school set in and I accepted, and well, here I am. 

Why did you decide to make clothing?

I started transferring my illustration to clothes as I wanted to showcase my work and attempt to make some of my shitty clothes ‘cooler.’ I felt my doodles could put some edge on a pair of jeans or shirt and just went with it. I felt it was better to put my work on something and see it then keep it hidden in my sketchbook, it’s scary at first to go out in an outfit that I drew on but feels pretty cool to know it’s one-of-a-kind.  I’ve been fortunate to have some friends who like to model my pieces, I posted it on depop, it’s a slow process but it’s gaining some traction. 

 What was your favourite piece that you’ve done?

My favourite piece to date that I’ve done has to be Confined (2019) it’s an experimental short that shows a subject trying to escape cellophane wrapped around them. It is a conceptualization of the overwhelming feeling in having a body – the skin that holds you together feels like a prison. This piece means a lot to me as body dysmorphia is something I struggle with and it has been very difficult for me to communicate what it’s like for me, Confined gave me the ability to conceptualize this idea to the best of my ability. 

What words of encouragement would you tell others wanting to do the same thing?

For any artist out there, who feels they aren’t good enough my piece of advice is FUCK IT! Honestly, I go through so many emotions when I’m creating— whether it’s a film or a drawing I hate it instantly without even giving myself a chance… and for what. Create what you want to create, everything is a process and sometimes things are going to be shit but they get better. Also, do not rip up or delete ANYTHING, if you do you will never be able to truly appreciate your work or progress, it has helped me to see what I was creating a year ago today to evaluate what I’ve done and how I’m progressing accurately. And of course, never limit. yourself to one medium there’s a whole world out there, explore, create, you’ll surprise yourself. 

To view more of Lauren's work, visit her Instagram: @dollarthoughts