About the Artist
Lauren Walke is a visual artist and illustrator based in Roanoke, Virginia. Working primarily in mixed media, her practice centers on creating layered imagery informed by direct observation, symbolism, and an ongoing relationship with the natural world. Her work draws on folklore, myth, religious iconography, and art historical references, weaving these influences into compositions that explore connection, transformation, and the cycles of life.
Rooted in the landscapes of Appalachia, Lauren’s work is shaped by close attention to water, wildlife, seasonal rhythms, and the subtle systems that shape everyday life. Over the past decade, she has worked as a freelance illustrator, art director, and educator. Time spent outdoors with her family — walking creeks, tending gardens, and revisiting familiar landscapes — continues to inform her visual language and her approach to presence, observation, and interdependence in art. Lauren holds a BFA in Two-Dimensional Studies from Weber State University.
About the Work
Lauren’s work rewards slow looking. By layering figures, environments, and visual elements drawn from folklore, myth, religion, and art history, her images act as mirrors, inviting viewers to notice connections, tension, and moments of recognition, and to form their own interpretations.
Contact me: 9sirenscreative@gmail.com
Social Media:
Facebook: New work, news & events, connect
Instagram: Work in progress, slice of life, videos
Pinterest: A magpie collection of images that inspire me
Published Work:
2025 – Shadows over Ravenkirk by Vivian Moira Valentine
2025 – Flash Frog, April 14, 2025
2024 – Exponent II , Vol 43 No. 4
2024 – Artemis Journal, Vol XXXI
2023 – Exponent II , Vol 43 No. 1
2023 – Katabasis: Monologues for the Dead, BCC Press
2023 – Cherish, BCC Press
2023 – Exponent II, Guest Post
2022 – Wayfare Magazine, Volume 1, Winter 2022
2022 – MER Online, Volume 20,
2022 – Exponent II, Guest Post
2022 – Exponent II, Guest Post
2021 – Young Ravens Literary Review, Issue 15, Winter 2021
2021 – Exponent II, Vol 41 No. 2
2021 – The Dialogue Journal Sunday School, August 22, 2021
2021 – Artemis Journal, Vol XXVIII
2021 – Exponent II, Vol 40 No. 3
2021 – Hexen’s Wane
2020 – Young Ravens Literary Review, Issue 13, Winter 2020
2020 – Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit by Molly Meador
2019 – Hexen’s Binding
2018 – Exponent II, Vol 38 No. 1
2018 – Hexen’s Cross
2014 – Freddie the Penguin
2013 – Mixitini Matrix, Volume 3 Issue 1
Selected Shows:
2025 – Liquid Commonwealth: The Art and Life of Water in Virginia, Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg, Virginia
2025 – Pilgrims at the Creek, Roanoke, Virginia
2021 – Certain Women Art Show, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 – Breathe: Protections, Paradigms, Pandemic, Shenandoah Valley Art Center, Waynesboro, Virginia
2018 – Handed Down and Altered, The Mormon Arts Festival at Columbia University, New York, New York
2018 – The Kitchen Sink, Delurk Gallery, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
2015 – Salt Lake Gallery Stroll Solo Show, Underbelly Creative, Salt Lake City, Utah
2015 – Salt Lake Gallery Stroll Group Show, Underbelly Creative, Salt Lake City, Utah
2013 – BFA Thesis Exhibition, Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery, Ogden, Utah
2013 – BFA Seminar Exhibition, Department Of Visual Arts Lobby, Ogden, Utah
2013 – Opening Exhibition, Pandemonium Art Gallery, Ogden, Utah
2013 – Student Exhibition, Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery, Ogden, Utah
Recognition:
2013 – Juror Award, Disappearing Series (1,2, and 4)