Lauren Alexandra Wilson is a Toronto-based floral designer and owner of Timberlost.

Her work is focused on exploring parallels and mimicry of natural landscapes, and seeks to renew the intricate authenticity of nature in the constructed medium.

Lauren's work creates large-scale installations that ground the observer in the natural world's intimacy and beauty.  

We are thrilled at the opportunity to feature Lauren and her incredible work.  We are certain you will enjoy her insights and a small glimpse into her rich and textured world. 

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Whats your favourite way to move?

Timberlost and my dog Pascal keep me moving. When I’m not hauling arm loads of flowers I’m usually walking P, catching a class at Jaybird or running to stay active.

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How do you keep yourself nourished?

I really love to cook. Food is a playground for me and I go grocery shopping 4-5 times a week. I’m always thinking about what I’m going to eat  next. I grew up in a household that valued nutrition and that’s really stuck with me into adulthood. I just eat a bit of everything (except meat  and dairy) and make sure I’m getting my vitamins through good foods like leafy veggies, whole grains and sustainably caught fish. I’m no  purest though, I love rich and junk foods every now and then.

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Where do you find inspiration?

Honestly, everywhere. My creative process stems from noticing, observing, keeping my eyes open. Ever since I was a kid, I'd always be the one stopping to interact with my environment. I can become really fixated on something, so if a particular object or flower catches my eye, I need to study it in various ways. I need to move through it repeatedly until I almost feel at one with it.

I love the old, the discarded, the weeds, the new innovation. Inspiration is everywhere.

Also in people. I love collaborating with other artists and experimenting with mixed mediums. Other creators fuel me so much.

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How do you manage your mind?

I need time along to reset.  I usually go to my cabin with my dog on Georgian Bay to swim, cook, recharge. A reset in nature is a ritual for me, a weekly if not daily practice.

The Sedona Method which is essentially a form of letting go of past patterns to further ground yourself in the moment. Most of my close girlfriends practice it as well, allowing us to dive deep into releasing with each other.

Lastly, I love to work. I feel very fortunate to be able to run Timberlost and it really keeps me motivated and excited for what's next. I need to practice and challenge my competency levels to feel sane.

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What are you currently reading, watching, listening to?

I'm currently reading Against Nature by Boris-Karl Huysmans. It's about a reclusive aesthete. 

I just finished watching The Curse with Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone. Highly recommend.

As for listening, I usually let NTS lead the way these days.

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What are you most excited about at this present moment?

I'm fortunate to be in a position where I can keep creating and loving my friends and family. We're living in an unprecedented, contentious, political world, coupled with severe climate events.

Waking up and being able to express yourself creatively, while loving and receiving love from those around you is like winning the life lottery right now.  Simple pleasures.

Also, Timberlost is truly my passion and there's lots of exciting things about to unfold. I'm about to announce an exciting new project in Quebec.

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Who are the women that are currently inspiring you?

So many women inspire me daily. My friends, Lisa Hart, Hannah Factor, Madison van Rijn, Tonya Papanikolov, Shirin Fathi, Laura Dawe, Monika Tatalovic, Dina Roudman, my mom, my sister Brooke, the list goes on and on!

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All photos credited to Tess Gigone