Lauren Baker: An introduction to the visionary Middlesborough artist

Born in the industrious heart of Middlesbrough, UK in 1982, Lauren Baker’s journey from the terraced streets of Northeast England to the global art scene is nothing short of inspiring. Today, she stands as a beacon in the world of contemporary art, with her base in the cosmopolitan city of London.

Baker is not just any artist; she’s a force that bridges multiple disciplines, often challenging the boundaries of traditional art forms. Over the years, she has taken her creations across the globe, enchanting audiences from the arid vastness of the Middle East desert to the esteemed corridors of the V&A, Tate Britain and Tate Modern. Such diversity in her exhibition spaces mirrors the vastness and depth she brings to her work, which resonates with art aficionados and novices alike.

But 2023 brought a new challenge and canvas for Baker: the Burning Man festival, an annual gathering known for its eclectic mix of art, culture and free spirit, beckoned. Amidst the unforgiving terrain of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, USA, she unveiled her latest masterpiece, the Wisdom Totems. These installations aren’t just monumental in size, standing at an imposing ten meters, but are also colossal in their thematic depth. Conceived as beacons of hope and unity, the totems embody the ethos of ancient structures like Stonehenge, serving as a sacred space for ceremonies and gatherings.

However, nature had its plans. Torrential rain, power outages and flooding made the installation process a Herculean task. Yet the very essence of the Burning Man spirit – resilience, community, and creativity – reflected in Baker’s resolve to bring her vision to life against all odds. The result was a testament to Baker’s dedication and prowess, a woman who not only creates art but lives it, embracing every challenge with grace, determination and an undying passion for her craft. And to commemorate this major installation, the artist will launch an exclusive NFT Totem at the Digital Art Fair in Hong Kong from 19^th – 23^rd October 2023.

Baker’s artistic ethos: Universe, connection and light

At the heart of Lauren Baker’s expansive artistic repertoire lies a profound quest: to probe the deep, intricate web of human connections, to fathom the mysteries of metaphysics, and to magnify the boundless canvas of the universe. The ethereal realms that she delves into aren’t mere subjects; they are realms she passionately inhabits and urges her audience to journey to with her.

The sustainability of our planet and the delicate equilibrium of its ecosystems also occupy a significant space in Baker’s creative universe. For her, this more than a nod to contemporary issues – it’s a deep-seated ethos, reflecting in her choices, right from the materials she selects to the processes she employs. This environmental consciousness also extends beyond her art; Baker is a beacon of change, having raised over £100k for charity, emphasising the transformative power of art in making an impact in the real world.

One of the hallmarks of Baker’s work is her experimental spirit. Aided by a fearless appetite for innovation, she has mastered the art of visual alchemy, transforming the abstract and the intangible into tangible masterpieces. It’s a kind of modern-day sorcery where she “makes the unseen seen,” shedding light – quite literally – on realms often shrouded in mystery.

A radiant thread that runs consistently through her oeuvre is her tryst with light. Her signature light works are more than just illuminative creations; they are embodiments of energy, effervescence and emotion, reverberating with frequencies, often mirroring those emitted by astronomical entities or resonating with the subtle energies of human chakras. Through these luminous artworks, Baker aspires to elevate the human spirit, fostering a universal vibration of love and connection.

It’s this amalgamation of purpose, passion and prowess that solidifies the artist’s standing in contemporary art, making her both a creator and a luminary leading the way to new realms of creative exploration.

Battling nature: The installation in the storms

In the vast expanse of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, the annual Burning Man festival is no stranger to nature’s capricious moods. However, 2023 posed challenges that tested the mettle of even the most seasoned participants. Two successive waves of torrential rain wreaked havoc, resulting in unprecedented flooding, loss of power and the unavoidable rationing of resources.

In the midst of this tempestuous backdrop, Lauren Baker set out to erect her ambitious Wisdom Totems. With the subjects being ten meters tall and designed as beacons of hope and unity, the installation process demanded not just technical expertise but sheer determination and resilience. Battling winds that reached up to 45mph and navigating the inundated playa, Baker’s commitment was unwavering.

The adversity only strengthened the Burning Man vibe – despite the overwhelming odds, Baker noted an indomitable community spirit. “Spirits were still high,” she reflected, observing how the struggles drew attendees closer. Individuals came together in solidarity, supporting each other through shared resources and emotional camaraderie.

In the face of nature’s tumult, Baker’s Wisdom Totems emerged not just as monumental art pieces, but as symbols of human perseverance, community bonding and the transformative power of collective will.

The artistic masterpiece: Unity and lunar totems

In the vast expanse of the desert, two monumental structures emerged: the Unity and Lunar totems. Each, while distinct in its design and symbolism, encapsulated the essence of Lauren Baker’s artistic journey and her profound understanding of the universe’s intricate tapestry.

The Lunar Totem celebrates introspection and our eternal link with the cosmos. Adorning its heart is a radiant diamond, symbolising an aura of peace and harmony. The moon, as Baker perceives, stands for reflection, intuition and our tether to the subconscious. Intertwined within the totem is the timeless Ankh, signifying life force and fertility. It became not just a work of art but a space for contemplation and connection under the vast desert sky.

Conversely, the Unity Totem serves as a harmonising force, melding both masculine and feminine energies. Its very core is marked by the alchemical earth symbol, emphasising equilibrium and interconnectedness. Anchoring it is a symbol of collaboration, urging attendees to embrace unity in a world that seeks harmonious coexistence.

For those who converged at Burning Man, these totems were guiding lights, spaces of solace, and, most importantly, embodiments of Baker’s ethos of love, unity and spiritual awakening.

The Burning Man community: Unity in adversity

The essence of Burning Man has always been about forging connections and creating a utopia, even if only ephemeral. However, the 2023 edition bore witness to the community’s resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictability. The downpours, flooding and power outages could have shattered the morale of many, but the Burners (as the festival’s attendees are called) showcased the remarkable strength that emerges from unity.

It was during these trying circumstances that the true meaning of Burning Man shone brightly. Resources once considered personal transformed into communal assets; shared meals, communal living in RVs, and mutual emotional support became the order of the day, turning survival into a collective mission.

Reflecting upon this, Lauren Baker remarked, “The Burning Man spirit of radical self-reliance and community spirit showed itself more than ever.” She continued, capturing the heartwarming essence of the gathering: “It was beautiful. It was a humbling experience and a reminder to be grateful for simple things that we take for granted.”

Behind the scenes: Sustainable creation and support

Lauren Baker’s artistry extends beyond the aesthetic realm, deeply intertwined with her conscientious stand on global environmental issues. True to her fervent commitment to sustainability, she ensures that every brushstroke, every carved detail echoes her ecological principles. This dedication was vividly on display in the construction of the Wisdom Totems.

Crafted in San Francisco, the totems embody environmentally responsible art. Merging recycled wood with lumber sourced from sustainably farmed forests in America, they impress visually but also reflect Baker’s unwavering commitment to the planet. Every piece of wood, every design element, whispers a tale of ecological stewardship.

Further amplifying her impact beyond the art world, Baker’s philanthropic endeavors shine. With an impressive contribution of over £100k to charity, she blends her creative prowess with a heart that beats for the betterment of society. Partnerships and support, like that from Celtic Chaos and Natural Symphony, only accentuate the commitment to creating art that’s both magnificent and meaningful.

In the grand tapestry of Burning Man 2023, the grand Wisdom Totems became emblematic of sustainable creation and unwavering community support.

Beyond the festival: The digital horizon with NFTs

In a world where art transcends physical boundaries, embracing the digital realm has become imperative for artists. This evolution manifests profoundly in the realm of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), a breakthrough in the digital art ecosystem allowing artists to tokenise their work, ensuring authenticity and uniqueness in a virtual space. At the forefront of this movement is Lauren Baker, taking her visionary pieces from the dust of Burning Man to the digital galleries of the world.

From 19^th to 23^rd October 2023, the prestigious Digital Art Fair in Hong Kong will bear witness to Baker’s debut in the world of NFTs – a significant marker for the digital art world. Baker’s first NFT (a digital tokenisation of the Wisdom Totems) promises to merge her ethereal vision with the immutable permanence of blockchain technology.

The ethos of the Burning Man reverberates even in this digital initiative. Reflecting the event’s spirit of giving and inclusivity, an exclusive 1/1 totem NFT will be raffled to the community. It’s an invitation for all, artists and admirers alike, to own a piece of the magic that was conjured in the Black Rock Desert. Additionally, art enthusiasts should keep an eye out for the Lauren Baker Whitelist art pass – a nod to the inclusivity and collective spirit of the Burning Man.

As we stand on the cusp of this digital dawn, the Wisdom Totems‘ journey represents the harmonious melding of physical art and its intangible digital counterpart. It’s proof of art’s evolving nature, where the essence of creation remains unchanged, even as its mediums and platforms shift and expand.

The editorial unit

For further information about Lauren Baker visit the artist’s website here.