Cross-stitch queen

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

Lauren Fowler describes herself as an illustrator, graphic designer and thing-maker. Take that last bit seriously because, whether it
’s knitted, sewn, hand-drawn or digitally illustrated, she makes lots of beautiful things we want to take home with us. VISI caught up with Lauren at her Woodstock Foundry studio, Lost Is A Place Too, to see what kind of things she’s made of…

What did you want to be when you were a child?

A till lady.

What was the first thing you designed?

A glow-bead necklace to wear over weekends at the Goodwood Ice Rink.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments?

Committing to being freelance, blindly believing work will always come; seeing my work in magazines and newspapers is exciting; so is working with national companies.

What is your design philosophy?

Work it until you
are happy with it.

In your view, does South Africa have a unique design language?

Yes, I can’t quite put my finger on it but everything always looks finessed, not mass-produced.
Our products feel crafted.

What would you decree if you were appointed Minister of Design in the national government?

Holy Moley! This is why I draw pictures. But if I have to answer: getting funded designers to work together with government to create a better city, or find solutions to meet pressing needs in poorer areas.

Advice for aspiring designers?

Trust your gut. Every time.

082 796 8205, laurenfowler.co.za, lostisaplacetoo.blogspot.com

Did you see the winners of VISI’s cross-stitch competition?