Bared x Lauren Freestone: The Sneaker Collab That Empowers First Nations People.
7/9/2024
Say hello to Lauren Freestone, the contemporary Aboriginal artist, proud Wiradjuri woman, and creative behind our latest limited-edition sneaker Saker 2 Lauren Freestone.
In collaboration with Lauren, we chose her stunning original piece ‘Coal in the Cliffs’ to feature on these kicks. Her original mixed media masterpiece pays homage to Wiradjuri Country, the Country of her Great Grandparents. The artwork blends deep inky tones with light earthy shades to represent the dark coal seams that run through the beautiful sandstone cliffs.
Lauren's design is printed on the Saker 2, a low-profile retro-inspired design and one of our most beloved sneaker styles.
Designed with purpose, $50 from each Lauren Freestone sneaker is donated to our wonderful partner, Children’s Ground - a First Nations-led organisation empowering First Nations people to have self-determination and enjoy social, cultural, political and economic justice.
Since 2020, we’ve teamed up with First Nations artists who have each brought a Bared sneaker to life with their art and stories. Thanks to these sneakers, and your support, we’ve donated $110,079 (and counting!) to Children’s Ground.
“Children’s Ground governance comes from the people and their land, for their children and their families. It is about our Elders being our professors and strategists. It is about placing First Nations strategies in front and bringing in the very best of resources to follow their leadership.”
William Tilmouth, Children’s Ground Chair
We sat down with Lauren to learn more about the stories, connections, and Country behind her work.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Lauren Freestone, I grew up on beautiful Gumbaynggirr Country on the mid-north coast of NSW but our family is Wiradjuri from Mudgee / Dunedoo. I have always been creative, my Dad is an artist so it’s always been a part of my life.
What inspired this piece? Tell us about it.
This piece is inspired by the exposed layers of the earth in the beautiful sandstone cliffs on Wiradjuri Country where my great-grandparents called home. The beautiful textures and blended tones of sandstone met with the sharp contrast of the coal seams and algae creates a really beautiful sight.
What does art mean to you?
Art for me is a way to express myself and share our story. It connects me with my Dad and our history. It’s given us such a special bond and I think that’s what is so beautiful about our Culture is that connection. It's also important for me to carry on our ancestors' stories in a way they weren’t able to.
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to become an artist?
I never ever thought I would be an artist. Painting for me was about learning and connecting with Dad. After a while, I had quite a few people interested so I decided to start a website then a couple of years later when COVID hit I lost my job and that was it.
Describe your creative process.
I use a lot of textured mediums so there’s a lot of layering and drying time. I usually have a few pieces on the go at once so I can switch between. I generally have an idea in mind of what I want to create and I let it take shape on the canvas. I use earthy muted colours inspired by the landscape around me.
Why is it important to you that you work with a First Nations-led organisation like Children’s Ground?
Giving back is so important in both life and business. My great nanna - Aunty Edie was a very generous lady. Everyone that knew her tells me how beautiful and & generous she was with the little she had which inspires me to try and do the same. There are so many important Indigenous organisations that go completely unfunded, giving back is vital to help them continue the work they do in the community.
Join us on our journey to empower First Nations peoples.
Help us support this incredible cause, get your hands on limited-edition Lauren Freestone sneakers or donate what you can – every little bit counts. Check out the Saker 2 Lauren Freestone Sneakers online or pop into one of our Australian boutiques to see them in person.
For more information on Children’s Ground, visit here.
Saker 2 Lauren Freestone