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  • THE COMPANY WE KEEP | LAUREN BURGESS

THE COMPANY WE KEEP | LAUREN BURGESS

 

Artist and photographer Lauren Burgess, known as Esthète, has always been drawn to organic composition and form. Using her mood as a driver, the skill to turn her feelings of anxiety into something truly remarkable is a skill not easily acquired.

As a child, Lauren grew up along the coast and has always made it so the ocean is never far, and for this creative, water is a constant and a main source of inspiration. Read on as Lauren talks to us about her deeply personal process, why she was hesitant to turn art into a career and how to push through when the flow to create isn’t there.

You’re currently juggling a full-time job in marketing and design – did you always dream of becoming an artist?

I probably have always been an artist. It's funny because you know when you're little and your teacher or parents ask, what do you want to be when you grow up? My answer was always, an artist. For a very long time, I didn't think anything of it.

I have endeavored in a range of creative pursuits since I was a teenager. I went to acting school, I studied and worked in photography and graphic design. I even had a job in advertising at one point. I guess it wasn’t really until I began to work in interior design and architecture that I rediscovered my calling as an artist. It’s been a long journey, but I wouldn’t change anything because its lead me to where I am today.

How did you discover your style as an artist?

I was living in a big beautiful share house prior to the pandemic where I was lucky enough to have my own little studio space. It was there I discovered the beginning of the process’ that I have developed today to produce my MILK and FLOW pieces. It was A LOT of trial and error, I didn’t really refine the process until the beginning of 2021.

How has isolation been a catalyst for your work?

I'm not the most social person, so I enjoyed lockdown last year. I moved into my first apartment at the beginning of the pandemic. It’s a 1-bedroom apartment that I’ve also transformed into my art studio. It was nice to be alone with my thoughts and to be able to explore all these different processes without feeling guilty for forcing others to live amongst all of the trial and error / chaos that comes during the development phase. So, I would say I made the most of the experience because my home is my sanctuary. I love being immersed in my surroundings whenever I can.

Why do you create?

The meaning behind my art is deeply personal. It is what I'm feeling at the time. I have the skill to create something beautiful, but to do that, I need a driver. And my drivers are my humanness. Like a lot of people, I'm anxious about who I am, and often have insecurities about what people think of me. I seek validation as much as the next person but instead of resorting to self-destructive or attention seeking methods , I paint. It comes from a deep, dark place that I create something beautiful. Essentially, I'm putting all my negative energy into something that has a positive outcome.

At first, you were hesitant to sell your art – can you explain what your work means to you?

Probably about two years ago, a lot of people  were encouraging me to sell my art – but I never wanted to. I never wanted to commercialise it because it was just so near and dear to me and it was such a huge part of my life. In a way, its kind of like selling a part of my soul. I didn't want to give that away to just anyone.

Your work mimics the subtle curves and organic composition of the natural world, and female form – has natural form always been a source of inspiration for you?

The natural form is where my inspiration stems. When I was working as a photographer, I used to photograph beautiful women and models, sometimes even nudes. I've always been interested in that softness and the curves that are so prevelent in the female form and water – I feel it’s just something that, when you look at it, makes you feel like you're floating. It's this euphoric feeling. I've worked with so many different mediums and materials over the years, and have really worked hard refine and relate my process back to this organic idea.

One of the things I love about water is the way it flows into itself when it's in the shallows and the way things are textural in the earth. It’s like organised chaos or an accidental masterpiece in a way.

Talk us through the concept behind your exhibition with us?

The pieces are harmonious with the McMullin & Co. aesthetic – a neutral palette and minimal yet textural layering. They  are timeless and pair well with the beautiful homewares and furniture that McMullin & co. is known for. In creating the larger canvas’, I wanted them to be more detailed, to have that hero message that ties the collection together.

Then there's the smaller FLOW piece, which is composed of a natural resin. This reflects what you see when it's low tide at the beach and the water is running into itself – it's got those lovely, little ripples and movements.

The entire collection has a palette of beige and white which all work in harmony together or as a stand-alone piece.

Are you methodical or intuitive in your creative process?

A bit of both. I'm quite methodical in a way where I know when to apply certain materials. There is a process I must follow, as the pieces are quite layered, I need to let each layer dry. I have to make sure the foundations are set before I move onto the next step

However, I do find it difficult when I have a tight deadline as I need to plan out each day of the process – I can never follow it because a lot of my mood goes into each piece so sticking to a short timeline is difficult.


How do you push through this feeling?

You have to be very disciplined to make it work. Creatives are generally not very disciplined and just go with the flow, and if the flow isn’t there sometimes it is a matter of making myself do it anyway. But I mostly refrain from forcing the creative energy if it is lacking. And then sometimes I just need to paint. I need to create something. And I guess that's why I love it because out of my angst and insecurities or anxiety, I'll go paint and I'll create something really beautiful that will instantly just bring me out of that mood.

Is this what you hope your art evokes in others?

Yes, that sense of calmness. That's what I want to get across. Art is subjective, and people see all kinds of things but sometimes you don't need to look for a deeper meaning. Something can just be beautiful because it is beautiful.

How do you balance what you want to create with what's going to be commercially viable?

I am always open to what people want. If I get an enquiry about using a certain colour, I'll always consider it, but if it doesn't suit my aesthetic and who I am, then I politely decline.

Sometimes, if someone wants me to do something a little bit more complex, like at the moment I'm working on a sample for a client using aqua tones, just to see if it will work. Often I'll go and I'll try it and I'll spend the time, but I mean, there are some things that flat out don't work.

But I think most people respect what I do, which I find interesting that they are happy to go with whatever I propose. The most important thing is finding the balance between what will be considered commercially viable whilst also not losing my soul. As soon as it becomes transactional and loses its essence, I feel it impossible to continue. Being an artist is not just a business to me, it’s not transactional. I need to always believe in what I am creating. Without that, I don’t see the point.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

  1. WEBSITE

    The term ‘McMullin & Co.’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is 13 Thompson St, MARRICKVILLE, NSW, 2204, AU. Our ABN is 45 640 871 110. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website. The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

    The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.

    Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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    This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.

    All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.

    Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.

    From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).

    Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of Australia.
     
  2. PRODUCT VARIATIONS

    Many of our products are handmade, natural and organic and may feature slight defects due to this nature. All pieces are carefully hand picked and checked before dispatch.

    Ceramics are traditionally handmade and placed in a woodfire kiln, every effort is made to ensure there is minimal colour variations to our ceramic pieces, however, it is something that we love and can be expected. Please note our natural  ceramics are not water tight. We love dry flowers in ours but for fresh flowers please place a water tight container inside the vessel.

    Teak & Cane are also a natural materials which may also have colour variations. We suggest keeping these material out of direct sunlight as it will cause fading overtime. Applying a natural oil or beeswax will help maintain the materials over time.

  3. LEAD TIME 

    ETA dates listed on our website are estimated only and can vary due to the nature and production time of our goods.

  4. ORDER PROCESS

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  5. DISPATCH

    Once we receive your order and payment, we will move to dispatch all available stock immediately. Most orders are fulfilled from our warehouse which can take up to 5 business days to dispatch. If stock is not available your order may be split. If an item is missing it is likely your package has been separated in to two shipments. If this is the case, you will receive two tracking numbers from us. Once order have been dispatched you will receive an email with your tracking number. 

  6. DELIVERY

    Please note due to COVID-19, our couriers are experiencing delays due to high demand and limited flights.

    They have advised that it will now take up to 7-15 business days to receive your parcel. All items will be shipped via courier. Delivery is deemed to be effective when the delivery company receives a signed receipt or delivery docket confirming that the goods were received. If the delivery is attempted to your address and no one is able to sign for it, then the delivery company will transfer it to a nearby depot and leave a card with a number to call to arrange a re-delivery. 

  7. RETURNS & EXCHANGE POLICY

    We want you to love your purchase, so if you're not completely happy, you may return your product within 14 days of purchase for exchange or refund provided it is in unused condition with all the original packaging. We will not accept any returns without it's original packaging.  If in the event a product is damaged or faulty, please contact us at hello@mcmullinandco.com with your invoice number, name, contact details and photos within 72 hours of receiving your order and we will organise an appropriate course of action. 

    Sales items purchased during a promotion or our sample sales are a final sale. No exchanges or returns of sale items are accepted at any time.

    International returns: We will not accept any international returns. 

    Refunds: Refunds are not available for change of mind or sale items, we are happy to offer you a store credit. 

  8. OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

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  9. LOANS

    We are happy to provide products for photoshoots and events to our Trade customers. There is a 10% charge for the value of the goods to cover our handling and packaging. Should any of the products break or get damaged during a loan, the wholesale value or a repair fee is chargeable.

  10. MARKETING COMMUNICATION & PRIVACY

    McMullin & co only collects personal information when you knowingly provide it. Personal information is collected in a number of ways, including directly from you over the phone or via email, within marketing activities and invitations responses, and when you submit information to us through or website (eg. email chat or cookies).

    Your contact details may be used by us for the purpose of sending marketing correspondence or invitations to you. We acknowledge and respect an individuals choice to opt-out of our direct marketing communications and activities. 

  11. CURRENCY

    All amounts listed on the website are in Australian Dollars (AUD)

  12. WARRANTY

    Our products are natural and handmade and are therefore unable to have an unconditional warranty. However, we will replace any product if it is defective within six months for furniture and one month for all other items from the date of receiving provided the product was used for normal  purposes and maintained in accordance with the care instructions.

    Any improper or negligent use or neglect will void this warranty. The warranty applies to household residential use only and not to any commercial, contract, rental, trade, institutional or other non-residential use. If you wish to make a claim under this warranty, you must provide photographic evidence to support your claim.

    You must also send us:

    The invoice number and date of purchase; and

    A full shot of the product with two close-up images of the defect.

    For the avoidance of doubt, a product is not defective if there is a manufacturing variation referred to above.

    Subject to the above and subject to any condition, warranty or right implied by, or any statutory consumer guarantee contained in, any law (including the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) which cannot by law be excluded by agreement:

    We give no warranties if any expressly set out in these terms and conditions; and All implied conditions, warranties and rights are excluded.

    The following only applies if you are located in Australia and deemed a “consumer” under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and may not apply in your particular case. Our products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the ACL. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure. You are also entitled to have the products repaired or replaced if the products fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. By stating these rights, we do not vary or extend the remedies otherwise available to you. The name, business address, telephone number and email address of the person giving this warranty are:

    McMullin & co.

    ABN 20864510070

    7 Sydney Street

    Marrickville, 2204, NSW

    Ph. 0423 114 882

    Email: hello@mcmullinandco.com

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how we uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this website.

We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

We may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.

What we collect

We may collect the following information:

  • name and job title
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What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

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We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

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Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

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You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

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  • if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us.

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

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