Lauren Anabela Beaudoin
she/they
Springfield, MA, USA
"Lauren Anabela is a queer Salvadoran born artist, metalsmith, craft educator and sole proprietor of Creative Dexterity.
After taking her first metalsmithing class as a teen, Lauren Anabela knew this was a passion she wanted to pursue. This led her to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she earned her BFA.
Being a transracial adoptee has not only shaped their world, but also their work, centering on nature versus nurture journey of nostalgia, daydreaming, celebrating and, at times, being unapologetically brash in humor.
Her previous Computer Key Jewelry series, which used upcycled computer keys as a quirky commentary on contemporary culture, was featured in Macworld Magazine and in the book Retrash.
She currently resides in Western Massachusetts where she is an active studio artist and as a craft educator has taught various youth and adult jewelry/metalsmithing courses throughout Massachusetts."
“Lauren Anabela is a combination of my adopted and birth names. Born in El Salvador and living most of my life in the United States, I found creating, especially fabricating with my hands, a rewarding way to express myself and honor my culture. Creating keeps me grounded while feeling part of two worlds.
I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of jewelry making and see adornment as a form of personal expression. I'm honored knowing my creations bring meaning to those who wear them. From new to heirloom, their timeless journey reminds me why I create.”
How does your work relate to the theme of flourish(ing)?
“I have always felt a deep connection to vibrant colors and exploring ways of incorporate them into my metal creations. Among all the techniques I’ve explored, I find the patination process to be the most relatable. It requires careful preparation, can occur naturally, and thrives in specific environment, allowing the colors to evolve and deepen with age.
My series, WRDPLY: SERVE, a homonym, utilizes the art of patination to symbolize transformation and resilience. This collection stands as a proud celebration of dominating excellence and pays tribute to queer families past and present, especially those who faced barriers and/or couldn’t fully flourish themselves."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
"HELL BENT", "Champlevé enamel on oxidized copper, brass findings, silver rivets, 4.5” x 3.5”, 2024"How does your creative practice allow you to flourish (grow, thrive, blossom)?
“As a transracial adoptee, creativity has always been a way for me to make sense of the world around me, and adornment has served as a powerful form of personal expression.
When I took a jewelry-making class as a teen, initially working with beads, I was perplexed when my instructor gave me a sheet of copper on the first day of class. Metal, with its strength and durability, presented a challenge that, surprisingly, I found centering.
To this day, practicing metalsmithing continues to strengthen my problem-solving skills, spark critically thinking, and encourages me to explore new possibilities. It provides healing through the act of making.”
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
As a queer+ artist, what would you like to see and/or what do you need in order to flourish during this time?
“Music and ball culture were a vital inspiration behind this work; I revisited documentaries, shows, movies and music while creating this work.
A percentage of each WDPLY: SERVE sale will be donated to a LGBTQ+ youth charity (The Trevor Project)”
“Connecting and supporting other queer+ artists, business, galleries and communities.”
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium
