Search the Community

Over the years I’ve come across some truly exceptional work. Target Field houses a minimalist display that remains a must see. S. Preston Designs, famously known as Poot Poot, put his stamp on the Twins new home prior to being welcomed into Cooperstown. Recently New York based artist Blake Jamieson set the baseball card world on fire creating unique renditions of famous cardboard offerings as part of Topps Project 2020. Among my new favorites is Lauren Taylor, an MLB Licensed artist that takes realism to a whole new level. I’ve sat on the sidelines and observed her work for some time. She’s created original pieces for plenty of athletes themselves, and her prints are truly jaw dropping. Now having gotten to know her a bit and seeing her story unfold, I found myself looking for a way to share. Twins Daily: Let’s start with this, why baseball? You obviously have artwork that covers multiple different subjects but being an MLB Licensed artist, you have to have somewhat of a sweet spot. What is it about the sport, and what about your background has drawn you to it? Lauren Taylor: I have loved baseball ever since I was a little kid. I grew up in the Seattle area during the 90’s and idolized Griffey. There were a lot of talented people that helped me fall in love with the game and I loved EVERYTHING about it. I collected cards, I watched it, I read about it and I certainly was constantly playing it. I played other sports, but I never felt the same love like I did when I played baseball (and then fastpitch softball). People call the game boring, but I started to understand how many things have to go right in your swing to make solid contact consistently and I loved the search for the next change that would grow my talent in the game. https://twitter.com/ltillustrations/status/1293730707999604736 This all brought me to art because I don’t fumble around for inspiration with that topic. I understand the game, and it don’t feel like I have to research and fake knowledge when trying to tell a story with a piece. It feels effortless thinking of which story I want to tell; the holdup is only the occasional struggle of executing it so its appealing to the consumer haha TD: There’s something for virtually every fan when taking a look at your work. What are some of your favorite pieces, and knowing you’ve met some athletes through them, how about interactions as well? LT: I have lots of different pieces for different reasons. I love the Kelly-green jerseys of the Oakland Athletics, and the baby blue alternate jerseys for several teams…sometimes it’s simple like that because working with colors that are beautiful will always make for more fun. Other pieces I like because I was able to execute what I was thinking and work it into the wrinkles of the jersey, the reflection in the shades and helmets…etc. Sometimes it fits perfectly the way I wanted. That’s the case for a lot of the vintage originals of players like Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente…etc. https://twitter.com/mikeyaz18/status/1296600714303565824 As for interactions, the ones that stick with me the most are the athletes that seem to really enjoy the art and take a moment to interact. Jackie Bradley, Mitch Haniger, Robinson Cano, Michael Chavis, Mike Yastrzemski, Tim Anderson, Dee Gordon, Tony Kemp, Charlie Culberson, Pete Alonso, Stanton, CC and Cole Hamels are a few that come to mind (and there are many I have missed as well) that were exceptionally kind which always makes the deliveries special. As for most memorable, easily Willie Mays and Rickey Henderson. TD: How would you describe your style, and what has your training in art been like. Do you feel like this has always been a calling and what stokes your creativity? LT: My style is all self-taught and I can’t really describe it in a way that defines it well, but I believe its mixed media in the art world. I actually know very little about art and the only C I received in college was in an art class haha. I always liked making things, but I definitely didn’t plan on this being a source of income and I would have never in a million years thought this would be my career. I feel so lucky but also know how many hours upon hours went in to making art people actually wanted. TD: Art speaks to us from a mental and emotional standpoint. You’re obviously going through your own challenges right now with health and medical issues. How has the baseball and art community impacted you? LT: Sports have always been a giant extended family for most my life but usually as a member of a roster. However, this current difficult time has proved that the sports family reaches far and wide and I have been overwhelmed with the amount of love and support people have shown me. Financial help aside, this has moved me in ways I won’t soon forget. I will forever do my best to pay it forward. I’m proud to be in the same realm as these artists because their talents are limitless, but more importantly, they have giant hearts, and this is the first industry I’ve worked in where I feel absolutely surrounded in it. TD: It’s pretty special what the impact of relative strangers can have on us. As you’ve set out on this #4LaurensNoggin campaign, what has been the most moving or impactful gestures to you? LT: No one is living the same life they were in 2019. Many are struggling, some are doing okay, but EVERYONE is impacted. When a group of artists and card collectors got together and started this whole campaign, I was in awe at the idea that every single person did something to help. Again…this isn’t exactly an easy time for most, and those issues were set aside to help me, who most have never met in person. That speaks volumes to me about how lucky I am to have found myself in this community and it has also reminded me that I can always do more for others. I’m grateful for the time, materials, money, personal memorabilia, kind words, and relentless sharing/retweeting…I will never forget, and I will spend a lifetime paying this all forward. It has inspired me to be more philanthropic. We can always do more, and if we don’t have money we can volunteer our time, and seeing that play out right in front of me as the sole beneficiary will forever be the nudge I need in the future when I see an opportunity to help. That #4LaurensNoggin campaign, and the hardships she’s currently enduring, are softball related. After taking a line drive to the face four years ago, she’s currently in the process of putting herself back together. Misdiagnosed injuries have taken their toll, and now surgeries to correct issues have gotten underway. It’s been through her art that she’s seen an outpouring of support. From big league players to those in the card community, Lauren Brem has felt the love from everywhere. Fellow artist Ken Karl, who focuses his work on sketch cards, has pitched in to make a mark. When I asked Ken what motived him to help and be involved he said, “I just wanted to help. Both the card and art community have been very kind to me. This was a chance to give something back. It was an opportunity to help someone in that circle who could use some help. After all, how hard is it to be nice?” As Lauren referenced the world is full of people struggling right now, and our society has seen people struggle to look out for one another. This type of display is as heartwarming as it gets in 2020. Art truly has a way of bringing people together, and that’s evidenced in both the way her art is appreciated, and the help received through her GoFundMe from what essentially amounts to complete strangers. Baseball is beautiful, but for many more reasons than the ones on the field. See more of Lauren’s work here. Support #4LaurensNoggin here. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email