I am a mixed-media artist living in Brooklyn, NY with my partner and two cats. I grew up in Southern California, swimming all year round. I was the only girl in a family with three brothers. I moved to New York for college and never left. I have been a NYC public school teacher for the past 15 years, and am currently teaching elementary art. I love being able to create and explore every day. A lot of my work has to do with exploring the push-pull of these everyday dichotomies.

In February of 2014 I unexpectedly went through brain surgery to remove a tumor. During my recovery, art was an important form of communication that made sense and felt successful, while most of my literal cognitive communication was still difficult and confusing. My awareness of color, shape, line, and pattern felt heightened during this time. The geometric and organic lines, shapes and colors of life and imagination became a perfect correlation between what was happening with my brain recovery and art. This striking juxtaposition between the clinical science of my brain surgery and the aftermath of the organic creative process fascinated me and continues to inspire my work. I am further interested in exploring the contradictions we are constantly presented with, and how they influence and play off one another.

In May of 2023 I had my second brain surgery because my tumor came back! This time around I've continued to be obsessed with color combinations but have been playing with beads and making unique beaded accessories.

You can also see my art on Instagram, where I post several times a week. If you have any questions you can email me--I love connecting with you.

Email: lauren [!at] laurenpackardart.com
Instagram: @laurenpackardart
@eyecandybk