The Maremmas of the Mayacamas
Hanzell Winery’s sprawling vineyard is nestled atop the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma, California, where volcanic soil has fueled continuous production of chardonnay and pinot noir
DROOL: How did you discover your voice in art through smoothies?
Lauren McGookin: If I had a pound for every time I have been asked this question, I’d be a very rich lady indeed! The answer is, I have no idea. It was one of those scenarios where one thing leads to another. I guess it started with a love for smoothies and quickly escalated from arty fruit decor to painting in my bowls. My mum says I always enjoyed playing with my food, much to her dismay!
DROOL: What compels you to keep driving forward as an artist? How do you aspire to grow as an artist this year?
Lauren: I am actually a dental student and dentistry as a profession is renowned for it’s stresses. For me, my smoothie art is a way to escape all of that. It is a creative outlet for me. This year, I have some collabs with local businesses lined up. To support local business through this pandemic is something I have been actively trying to do so I am very excited about it!
Lauren: I am actually a dental student and dentistry as a profession is renowned for it’s stresses. For me, my smoothie art is a way to escape all of that. It is a creative outlet for me. This year, I have some collabs with local businesses lined up. To support local business through this pandemic is something I have been actively trying to do so I am very excited about it!
DROOL: What about dogs attracts you to them as subjects for your artwork?
Lauren: My dogs back home are my babies, so naturally my first dog inspired bowl was a portrait of my 8 year old Bichon Frise, Bailey. With dogs, you don’t just paint their cute little faces, you paint their personalities too. I love that!
"There is no greater companion in this world than the four-legged friend that sits at your feet. Love them unconditionally."
DROOL: Which do you prefer: dogs or people, and why?
Lauren: There are so many wonderful qualities in both. That being said, no human will ever greet me with as much excitability and love after just being to the shop for half an hour, than my two four-legged friends. So for that reason, I shall opt with dogs!
Lauren: There are so many wonderful qualities in both. That being said, no human will ever greet me with as much excitability and love after just being to the shop for half an hour, than my two four-legged friends. So for that reason, I shall opt with dogs!
DROOL: If you had to choose one dog breed to characterize who you are, what breed would it be and why?
Lauren: I actually took a BuzzFeed quiz on this and I got a French Bulldog – because I am bright and sociable, patient and easy-going. I’ll let my friends be the judge of that!
Lauren: I actually took a BuzzFeed quiz on this and I got a French Bulldog – because I am bright and sociable, patient and easy-going. I’ll let my friends be the judge of that!
DROOL: Anything else you want to share with the dog-loving humans of the Earth?
Lauren: There is no greater companion in this world than the four-legged friend that sits at your feet. Love them unconditionally.
Lauren: There is no greater companion in this world than the four-legged friend that sits at your feet. Love them unconditionally.
Give Lauren a follow @whats_cookin_mcgookin
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