Congratulations to Lauren Jenkins for earning her place as a Winner in the Boynes Monthly Art Award [March 2024 Edition]!

Who are you?

I started conceptual photography in 2016. Originally from Illinois, I was encouraged at a young age to be creative by my grandma. I didn't discover my passion for photography until I took a high school film photography class. I continued studying photography in college, which is where I first used a medium format camera. Creating within a square frame quickly became my favorite and I still use a square frame today in my digital work.

How would you describe your ARTwork?

I create self-portraits that serve as windows into my inner world. A lot of my work lives in a surreal dreamlike space.

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

My biggest hope is to make a connection. I push myself to be vulnerable in my work. Expressing experiences or feelings visually that I myself haven't put into words yet. Being able to look at a piece of art and feel seen or less alone is so powerful and my hope is that each piece connects with at least one person in that way.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?

This was the last image of an annual series I was doing since starting conceptual photography. Every October I would create a new "pouring out" image that reflected my relationship with creating.

This image was about taking what I was dealing with internally and pouring it out to create something beautiful.

Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning work?

I made a big mess creating this photo! For the head, I cut the top off a milk jug. I painted myself and the milk jug with white paint. I wanted to add a painterly texture to the photo. During the shoot, I filled the jug with blue paint mixed with water. I had my husband pour it over my hands. After cleaning up all the paint, the rest was done in photoshop.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

Just last year I went through my biggest learning experience with my art, but it also led to my biggest success. I was working on a photo series that I connected with deeply. It was a series about my grandma going through Alzheimer's and the effects it had on my mom and myself. I

drew up the concepts quickly, but every step after that took so much time. Even though it had been years since my grandma passed, I struggled to edit the photos of the series. Every time I went to edit, I found the emotions to be too much. It was hard to truly face what happened to her. There were many times I thought about not finishing it. I grew frustrated with myself because I so desperately wanted to bring this series to life.

It ended up taking me a year to finish the series. I learned that creating doesn't need to be on a timeline. Even more importantly, I learned not to give up. Through creating and writing about the series I was able to process my grief that I didn't know I was still carrying so heavily. The series is the most rewarding art I have created. The feedback and connections I made from it will forever stay with me.

Can you give us a piece of advice you wish you had known at the start of your career?

Don't forget to have fun. It's okay to try new techniques and fail. Not everything you make is going to be amazing and that's okay because you will still learn something from it.

What projects are you working on currently?

Towards the end of last year, I felt a pull to incorporate other elements into my conceptual photography. This year I will be creating my first mixed media series. After trying out a lot of new creative outlets I have finally settled on encaustic photography. I am so excited to add this into my creative process.

What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?

I really want to put together an art book featuring all my favorite pieces.

As a winner, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?

Don't let imposter syndrome keep you from applying. I have submitted to so many things that I didn't end up getting, but just by making the video submissions or answering the questions I learned something about myself and my art.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

It's so easy to compare yourself to other artists. Your art is valuable no matter where you are in your creative journey.

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