Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Lauren J. Turner. Turner’s artwork is on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Creative Freedom: Celebrating Black History Month gallery exhibit, on view from January 29 - March 3, 2024.

The gallery reception for the show is on February 22, 2024 6 - 8 pm.

RSVP HERE

Lauren J. Turner

I’m Lauren J. Turner, and I’m thrilled to have you join me on an artistic journey that’s all about sparking conversations around parenting and reshaping how we perceive it. Parenthood is truly magical, and my art celebrates those extraordinary moments while shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the Black parenting experience that the media tends to miss.
As a doula and an artist, I’ve dedicated myself to bridging the gap between the internal landscape of emotions and the external manifestation of art. Each painting is a testament to the raw beauty, strength, and vulnerability inherent in the miracle of birth.

What does your artwork represent?

My artwork represents a community that needs more representation. While many people are shying away from having children, my artwork inspires others to dive into why it may or may not be the right fit. As an artist, I aim to help start conversations around pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Most people who have been touched by motherhood feel connected to my art. Whether they are a new mother, birth worker, or even someone helping a pregnant friend, I hope that people see someone they know.

When did you start creating art? Was there an event that led you to this?

I’ve been painting since high school. I always wanted to become an artist. I graduated with an AA in fine art and decided to focus on anything outside art.

After having my second child at home, I was emotionally moved by my experience. It wasn’t the same experience as my first. There is a moment within labor when you give in, but with my second, I gave up. I wanted to know why. Why did it feel like I failed? Why did I need my midwives so much more than before?

After asking why I became a doula and through birth work, I started to create art again.

If you could be anything besides an artist, what would you be, and why?

I would be a midwife if I could be anything outside of an artist. Midwives are so skilled in visually watching birth happen. Sitting on your hands and knowing when to intervene during a birth is an art form. If I had the brain capacity, I would venture into helping others see their power.

Does gender impact your art? If so, how?

Gender greatly influences my works of art. Women are typically the humans who give birth. Black women have the highest infant mortality rate. As a black mother who opted out of the hospital experience, I want to bring up the conversation around birth and postpartum to help others see that birth doesn’t have to look so mainstream.

What are your biggest motivations?

My biggest motivation is seeing people talk about birth and postpartum. We are finding ways to talk about the things hidden in the dark. Birth is more than a healthy baby. As people look at my full portfolio, I hope it inspires them to know they have choices even if they opt out of childbirth altogether.

To find out more about Lauren and her practice, visit her website.