Waking Up With: Lauren Miranda
We are such fans of LA-based creative Lauren Miranda and her intricate exploratory pieces. She creates beautiful one-of-a-kind items and works with a variety of mediums from clothing to knitting to weaving. Here, we discuss her go-to places for inspiration, experimenting with new mediums, and her thoughtful approach to decorating.
Hello! First off, tell us a little about yourself and what you’ve been up to lately.
Hi friends! My name is Lauren Miranda— I am a full time Apparel Studio Manager by day, and a Fiber Artist outside of that. I grew up in OC, though Los Angeles has been my home for the past decade and it’s precisely where I need to be. Lately I’ve been juggling a few endeavors I’m eager to reveal later on this Spring, while also dipping my toes into tennis and getting back in the pool!
What is your morning ritual?
Soon as I wake up I kiss my cats’ little head, then I need cold water on my face. I work a full time job so during the week it’s more ‘Pitter Patter let’s get at’er’. My weekends offer a more leisurely flow where I make myself a pour over, light some candles, read for a nice while, then take a nice loop around my neighborhood.
You create so many beautiful objects in a variety of mediums. Have you always loved to experiment with different materials and types of objects?
I so appreciate that! I for sure have always had this innate need to create and move my hands. For many years it was strictly sewing projects here and there, incorporating knitting as well. Eventually I finally decided to lean in and have my hand with weaving back in 2021 and with the obtaining of my Studio space I was able to let myself really experiment.
Where do you go for inspiration when you’re starting a new piece or project?
Museums and galleries continue to be a constant for me in this realm. I feel so fortunate to live in a place like LA and it’s ever evolving exhibitions of contemporary artists. Outside of the city, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia in Mexico City is a massive source of inspiration for me. During a recent visit to Portugal I stumbled upon their Museu da Marionetta in Lisbon, and I felt like a kid in a candy store- the craftsmanship and detail put into these pieces was so deeply inspiring, how they tie in fiber arts, costume design, theatre, woodworking. Totally, wonderfully overwhelming.
Do you have a favorite item in your shop currently? Or do you have a favorite medium to work with?
So tough to play favorites! I have a soft spot for my ‘Cascabeles’ because they’re interactive and the sounds are so pleasant. I’ve only made a few so they feel extra special.
Are there any new creative areas you’ve been working in lately or are excited to explore?
I got lost with a few Origami books recently. It just makes sense that I’d latch onto this artform with what I’m already currently interested in—and already have, seeing as I’ve had my hand with some hand pleating in my studio. And I might try to incorporate this into some sweet little light creatures I have in mind.
Tell us a little bit about your home. What is your approach to decorating?
To put it succinctly- ‘warm textural interaction’ is what I aim for. This involves having many wood pieces of furniture, cozy lighting, plants, various tactile stimuli all around. At this point I am so accustomed to being in small spaces, I’m highly mindful about what comes in, and luckily for me I love to edit and pare down. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my tchotchkes, but one will notice they’re all in their own organized niches. And shopping second hand/thrifting— now this comes as nothing new to many, but I really delight in knowing that almost all of my home is ‘found’ items, quality pieces I’ve cherished for years that have migrated with me from place to place, some since living out of state!
What is your favorite thing about your home?
The treehouse-esque feel of it; I think the fact that it’s such a petite space lends itself well to this. Details like my old windows that provide amazing light and air throughout the day, as well as a fantastically deep tub also top the list!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Surround yourself with people who make your nervous system feel at ease.
What are you reading / watching / listening to these days?
A motley of things: ‘Seven Brief Lessons on Physics’ by Carlo Rovelli, and I just finished ‘Natural Beauty’ by Ling Ling Huang. Series wise, I blew through ‘The Crowded Room’ and finally watched all of ‘Peaky Blinders’. ‘Abbot Elementary’ is my palate cleanser.
Fill in the blanks:
- The coolest place I’ve ever woken up in is: in a tent overlooking the pacific in Agate Beach, Oregon.
- The best cup of coffee/tea is at: Kumquat in Highland Park, and Marne Panadería in Mexico City.
- A thing about mornings I’ll never get sick of is: the promise of espresso, crispy air, and finding Cersei nestled in the crook of my arm.
