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Today the Venice Paparazzi spotlight shines a light on Lauren Peggy Doyle

Venice Paparazzi’s “In the Spotlight” is an interview series that highlights people and organizations in the Venice community.  The purpose is to shine a light on all the positive things being done by the fantastic folks in our town!

Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

Let’s get to know Lauren Peggy Doyle

How many years in Venice?

I moved to Venice in 2016! I’ve been in and out, but consider Venice home.

Give us a brief bio of yourself:

I was born, bred, and educated in Pittsburgh. My pen name is The Modern Lady and I’m a hopeless romantic. I’ve worked in tech, fashion, agriculture, art, journalism, community-focused projects + events, education, and design. My experiences have afforded me the opportunity to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. I’m sensory driven, and have a country heart + city soul. I love adventure and kindness. I’m passionate about art, nature, and equitable opportunity. Dance is my medicine and love is my religion. I’m a feminist, music-enthusiast, and my playa name is “warm hugger”. I consider myself a conduit for social justice and change.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

Tell us about your art. Describe your style, and what influences it?

I’m happiest when I’m covered in paint! My art transmutes intense feelings and turns them into something tangible. It’s my way of expressing love. It’s beautiful chaos. When I’m in flow, I sincerely feel there is no better feeling than that of creating. The creation of stories, memories, art, and more all add to the day and a random act of kindness is something indelibly linked to a rich life. I’m influenced by history and the supernatural. My life is ART. It’s freedom. It’s dirty and sexy. It’s filled with gratitude, heartbreak, and wholeness.

How many years, and how did you get into it?

I’ve been an artist since childhood. I was an acutely aware child; inquisitive, creative, and intuitive. A girl who ran around with imaginary friends and knew from a young age that I disagreed with big-box bullshit. I retreated to the arts to feel safe. No matter how low or weird I felt, I could turn it into art and make it easier to digest. My mother strongly encouraged me to be an artist. I was constantly creating – songs, crafts, clothing, American girl doll estates, lol. I was a theatre kid, dancer, and natural goofball. My art is ever evolving; like me! I plan to be a lifelong student. 🙂

From Grief to Grace, 2019.  Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

Biggest accomplishment or favorite show?

I try to outperform every job I am given. My biggest accomplishment is the present moment; my resiliency, character, and dedication to growth.

I supported my mom as she passed–Those weeks were the greatest gift and one of the most invaluable moments of my life.

I’m really proud of the Legendary Women Artists of Venice Awards which recognize the contribution of women to the arts and their profound impact on society. I established the awards in 2018 with Sunny Bak and the Venice Art Crawl. The awards are presented to female artists whose life and work exemplifies our mission of creating community through art, education, and social activism. The Legendary Women Artists of Venice Awards are presented during Women’s History month and anticipate a lifetime of achievement for its recipients, and the meeting of a new sisterhood in the arts. It’s an honor to know and love these women, to shine light on feminist art history, and steward gender equality. People in the art world want to think we are achieving equity and inclusion more quickly than we are–Women face institutional obstacles with only 14% of living artists represented in galleries nationwide. Women are dramatically undervalued – between 2008 and 2019, more than $197 billion was spent on art at auction. Of that, work made by women accounted for just $4 billion – around 2 percent. Women earn 75% of bachelor of fine arts and master of fine arts degrees in the states, and yet only 46% of working artists are women. Movements like the Legendary Women Artists of Venice Awards are essential because representation matters. I also believe that we vote with our dollar. Pay us what we’re worth! x

Last year, I had the opportunity to work directly with Marianne Williamson in her mentorship program for difference-makers committed to love in action. It was a huge honor and I brought my A-game. Marianne has been a longtime idol who now knows me by name and what I’m building. The experience encapsulates my startup’s blueprint. Vision Boards work! Oprah + Adrienne Maree Brown, you’re next.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

Tell us about some of your favorite pieces

I’m very excited about my latest + greatest, “Implacable” – It’s 48″ x 48″, mixed media on stretched canvas, and available: price on request. Inside the pussy portal that is wombs, “Implacable” is a study of Valencia’s wisdom (she who stands). It examines liberation, feminine energy, and the roots in which we bloom. Its spirit is resoluteness and determination; proclaiming the female body as a temple of divine enlightenment–all answers are within her.

The Happening will always be near and dear to my heart because it’s fun, and I love watching people experience it. It’s a collective art experience that exposes communities to creative expression and art. The mission is to welcome and encourage participation. The art evolves in relation to its environment; the music, space, intention, and participants involved. Each Happening piece is different. During covid, I began fine-tuning and framing artworks from past Happenings. Some had more than 500 hands on them and at some point, I will do a show. What started as an art experience with ten friends on my farm in Pennsylvania has blossomed into an opportunity to appreciate ourselves better as a community and enrich our cultural experiences.

“From Grief to Grace” hangs in the home where I healed from tremendous heartbreak. I painted it the day after I put my dog Godiva down. I was obsessed with her. My favorite pieces are the ones that express my deepest feelings. Nothing prepares you for the death of a loved one. I encourage anyone experiencing grief to lean into their faith. For me, that’s God and all things Holy – Nature, Love, Art, Movement, Relationships, and Breath.

Implacable, 2022 on display at moonlight studio in venice // available, price on request. Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m the founder of a startup called WOMBS which is a human rights approach to reproductive health. I’m building a digital marketplace in Web3 that uses AI and Blockchain technology to provide personalized, comprehensive care models. It sounds very technical, but it’s not. Blockchain improves interoperability and communication gaps between service providers. It regulates data corruption, prevents insurance fraud, and provides digital tracking of drugs. Patients have control and ownership over their own medical data. WOMBS is changing the way people navigate family planning and benefit from both medicalized and natural care support. The solution becomes people over profitability. I’m currently preparing for my first round of fundraising!

I believe we suffer so that we can better serve others and that most passions stem from something personal and/or challenging. WOMBS was built as a result of my own healing and I’m currently working on a NFT collection that encapsulates my family’s story. It’s a series of thirteen paintings, photographs, and short stories turned into NFTs. Pssssstttt…. “Implacable” is a sneak peak! Proceeds will be used to fund WOMBS and will also benefit foster youth who’ve survived sexual abuse.

And I’m preparing for the 2023 Legendary Women Artists of Venice Awards! Save the date, March 16! I’m looking for sponsorships and community nominations.

Anything else that you want to share with our readers? Announcements, upcoming events, etc.

I’m hosting a trunk show and open house from 6pm-9pm on August 23rd,  24th + 25th!   Visit the GALL3RY by KØLLECTIFF in Venice to pre-shop the latest collection from custom, luxury menswear label Commonwealth Proper. Spring/Summer stock will also be available for purchase. Contact [email protected] for daytime appointments.

Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of an art-themed supper club this fall!

So many exciting things 🙂

Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

A FEW PERSONAL QUESTIONS:

Define success:

Success is discovering your life’s purpose and peace. It’s living an authentic life and embracing the deepest parts of your soul. It’s helping others and having fun!

What is the best advice you have received?

“Keep going” – Helen Hoey, my fairy godmother

Finish off the statement “Art is…

Art is a universal language! It connects us physically–it can also connect us culturally by telling a community’s shared story and inspiring reflection, and by bridging cultural divides.

Favorite affirmation, mantra, or quote:

“True love never dies… it just takes new form and you learn to live with the change” – me

My favorite affirmation is: I am healing my DNA on a cellular level, aging gracefully and youthfully.

Favorite book, band or movie?
  • Book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, A Course in Miracles, + Women who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés // I’ll read anything written by Audre Lorde and Patti Smith.
  • Band: The Grateful Dead – John Mayer is an added bonus.  Also Tupac is bae!!!
  • Movie: Avatar, Almost Famous, Cruel Intentions, Casablanca, + Breakfast at Tiffany’s
List 1-2 things on your bucket list?

Have babies + make an impact.

Anything else you want to share about yourself to the world? Fun facts or accomplishments.

I’m a synchronized swimmer and can tie a cherry stem with my tongue.

Venice Canals. Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

VENICE QUESTIONS:

Describe Venice:

Venice is historical. There’s a vortex that attracts interesting people and I love it. The juxtaposition. The culture. The community. It’s a little slice of heaven covered in filth.

What is your craziest or fondest Venice experience?

Swimming with dolphins–I swam out pretty far and was approached by two! It was truly magical and I felt like a goddess.

Anything else about Venice that you would like to say?

Please take care of it. We live here, let’s love it. Give back in whatever way you can.

Who should the Venice Paparazzi cast the spotlight on next?

Benedicta Ogbonnaya

Photo courtesy of Lauren Peggy Doyle

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