Crafting Dreams: The Enchanting World of Lisa Laurén's Animal Heads

Lisa Laurén, a freelance textile artist based in Berlin, transforms artistic visions into stunning animal costume heads, which range from $2,500 to $3,500. Her captivating work has graced notable productions, including operas and films, showcasing her creative journey from a Swedish commune to the international art scene.

When Lisa Laurén receives a request for an animal costume head, she feels as if she’s embarking on a joyful adventure. The Berlin-based textile artist takes immense delight in blending her imagination with her craftsmanship to create vivid, colorful animal heads that are designed to resonate with performers' visions. "I’m trying to condense somebody else’s dream and make it into something," Laurén explained from her spacious apartment kitchen near the serene banks of the Spree River, where a clay fox head, tightly wrapped in foil, awaited its transformation.

Laurén's journey into the world of animal heads began in 2011 when she was commissioned by the esteemed Komische Oper Berlin, in collaboration with Benjamin Tyrrell, to design a set for "The Cunning Little Vixen," a lively opera by Leos Janacek featuring forest creatures. This artistic endeavor opened the door to a unique niche that has since flourished within her broader career.

In addition to crafting these imaginative heads, Laurén's portfolio includes a wide range of textile artistry, such as painting backdrops and developing costumes for prominent theater productions, films, and television shows. Her clients have included prestigious names like Netflix, Apple TV+, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, as well as cultural institutions like London's Tate Museum and Madrid's Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

The animal costume heads crafted by Laurén are not just artistic expressions but are also cherished pieces that range in price from $2,500 to $3,500. Each piece reflects a collaborative spirit and an unwavering commitment to bringing artistic dreams to fruition—each head a testament to the vibrant world of performance art and a celebration of creativity.