Interview with artists Lauren and Rog Brooks
It’s so inspiring to see family and friends united for creative projects. This is just the case with the exhibition currently showing at White Canvas in Brisbane.
Seams Like a Dream is an exhibition of art and fashion, fused together by some beautiful relationships, and vivid colour.
Now, not to get confusing, but here’s how it started… Brisbane-based fashion designer, Lauren Brooks launched her label, Baumbach, last year. Baumbach proudly designs and makes their clothing locally in Brisbane. During the development of her latest collection, Lauren discovered many years’ worth of her Dad’s artwork.
Rog Brooks, Lauren’s father, is based in the UK and started sending his vibrant felt pen artworks out to Lauren in Australia, with the honest hope to inspire her creativity. Many months later, and Colour Me Sunshine, the Summer 2012 collection from Baumbach, features beautiful prints of Rog’s artwork.
When talks started about a joint exhibition, Lauren’s good friend, and wonderfully talented house-mate, Hayley Byron, also jumped in on the fun.
Confused yet? Put simply, Seams Like a Dream showcases both originals and prints of Rog’s artwork, Lauren’s just-released Baumbach Summer collection, and original works from Hayley Byron.
Seams like a Dream
16-28th August 2012
This really is an inspiring Father and Daughter collaboration. Read on below for snippets of the interesting conversation with Lauren and Rog.
Tell me Rog… What inspires you and how do you create such vibrant artworks?
I do this for fun. Primarily. I’ve been playing around with colours and artwork like this for decades. But it’s only since I retired from work, that I’ve had the time to play around with colours and do what I feel like doing.
I wasn’t very good at maths at school. However, a teacher at school showed me how to do chase diagrams. I played around with that in different colours.
But I’m just interested in how you can make colours move.
If you soft focus on these things, they will actually pulse or rotate. It plays tricks on the rods and cones in your eyes.
I start with a geometrical basis and then invert it. I really don’t know where or how I’ll end up when I start out. Luckily people seem to like them.
Rog, what pens or equipment do you use? How do you achieve so many shades and effects?
I use Caran D’Ache watercolour felt tips. They allow for wonderful overlays and have a nice fine point. I can then create new colours from just a couple of basic colours.
None of the colours are the original colour. They are all continually overlayed and overlayed.
I’ve been using this brand of watercolour felt tips for the best part of twenty years now. Now I’ve found another mid-range brand, Staedler, which I can mix and match with the Caron D-Ache. So I can now work with 5 or 6 shades of green or yellow at any one time.
I am most creative on winter evenings at home listening to music. It starts by simply experimenting with the pens and combinations of colours.
What do you think of seeing your paintings on Lauren’s Baumbach range?
I am stunned. I really couldn’t have imagined it. Even looking at the postcards and cards she’s produced, I can’t believe how she’s transformed the works.
Now Lauren, tell me about your latest Baumbach collection, Colour Me Sunshine…
This season sees the Baumbach girl on a day trip to the island. We shot at Stradbroke Island and the weather was fantastic.
For more info on Lauren and Baumbach, be sure to read last year’s interview.
When did the fusion of Baumbach and your Dad’s artwork begin?
I usually don’t start with textiles. My process for each range starts with form.
I really wanted to work with a couple of my favourite pieces from Dad. I’ve created repeat patterns before, but I thought it would be a great chance to work with the amazing Marni Franks.
Marni can really work magic when it comes to developing a pattern. Together we worked on many different ideas to see what would work across the pieces.
And from those wearing Baumbach… How has the new collection been received?
Dad’s Kimono has really been the surprise best seller of this collection. People are instantly drawn to the vibrant colours. It really was the inspiration for the entire collection that I named, Colour Me Sunshine. It really sums up our bright sunny weather here in Queensland, and on the islands like Straddie, where we held the photo shoot.
How has Baumbach grown? Are you planning more exciting collections with your Dad’s artwork?
The first two collections were me really finding my feet. This is the exciting part. The response to Dad’s prints fused with Baumbach has been overwhelming and we’ll definitely be continuing the collaboration.
Although I’m still only a very tiny label, I feel that I’m gaining some traction and getting a little bit more confident. My clients are loving and recommending the brand and it’s slowly getting out there. It’s so rewarding to see my friends and clients wearing and loving Baumbach. We really didn’t design it like this. But it’s just happened.
