Lauren Roth has been living and breathing art for as long as she can remember, and decades of passion and hard work have led her to where she is today: her own gallery and thriving business as an artist. "It's basically been a lifelong journey," she muses.

Nestled along a charming street in Kailua, Lauren Roth Art is a beacon of vibrancy amidst a community known for its creative spirit and beachy vibes. Like Roth herself, it's a culmination of so many things, from her art-centric childhood in New Jersey that nurtured her skills and ambition to the lush landscapes of Hawaiʻi that have significantly influenced her work. As Roth has evolved from a young child experimenting with drawing to a businesswoman and now mother, so has her work, fueled by the daily beauties of Hawaiʻi that keep her inspired. One thing, however, has stayed largely the same.

When asked about her artistic style, Roth reflects, "An ongoing theme has kind of always been joy." This sentiment is evident in her work. The gallery walls are adorned with dreamy landscapes and vibrant botanicals, each a celebration of the beauty she finds in the world. Her canvases not only decorate walls but also inspire smiles, embodying the theme of happiness that permeates her entire body of work. Roth's true gift as an artist is her ability to focus on the joyful, the beautiful, the parts of the world worth celebrating and sharing.

Lauren's artistic journey began in childhood, attending art camps and honing her drawing skills. Her formal training at the Savannah College of Art and Design further refined her skills, particularly in illustration, setting the stage for a career that would blend creativity with entrepreneurship. After gaining experience as a graphic artist with Whole Foods and showcasing her work in various galleries and coffee shops, she boldly decided to transition to full-time independent artistry. This journey culminated in the grand opening of her own gallery in 2018, a testament to her determination and the milestones she has achieved in her career.

"Having a gallery was always something at the back of my mind," says Roth. "Then I randomly reached out to property managers ... and [one] was like, 'I have a new spot!' When we looked at it, it was perfect, and it just felt like the right fit." Roth knew she couldn't do it alone, so she enlisted her husband, who, until that point, was working for a small business in Hawaiʻi.

One of the benefits of having her own space is that she can be creative as a businesswoman and community member. More than a showcase for her own work, the gallery serves as a hub for local artists, embodying Roth's commitment to nurturing the creative local community that embraced her work and career so warmly after she moved here in 2009. Other artists you'll find in Lauren Roth Art include Danielle Burnside, Skylar Schultheis and Spencer Chang. From canvases that evoke the tranquility of Hawaiian scenery to accessories like color-blocked wallet purses and mugs adorned with neon tropical prints, the gallery extends beyond traditional mediums, offering a range of home goods and stationery.

Having been small business owners themselves, the experience has been demanding for Roth and her husband, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. They were compelled to adapt and shift their attention to online sales and creating. "It actually gave me time to paint a lot," Roth reminisces. Despite the difficulties, years later, it has all been worth it for her. "I love it. It’s just nice to have a place that’s mine," she says.

Speaking of evolving, the big changes in Roth's life recently have come from more than just her creative or professional spheres. Now the mother to a two year old, life has become decidedly more complicated—and time is now decidedly harder to come by. It's a juggle and a challenge, like so many things that are worth it, but Roth has found ways to incorporate her life as a mother into her art. One of her latest series is inspired by her walks with her son and the shadows that play on the houses in their neighborhood. The result is a collection of structures that evoke a sense of serenity, beauty, and, of course, joy.

What's next for Roth? The end of the year shows no sign of slowing down, with the massive Made in Hawaii event happening in a few months, by which Roth tries to have her Christmas products all finished and ready to go. Her calendar for next year was just wrapped, and she has an annual show to look forward to in Japan soon. The theme of the show this year is Hawaiian myths and legends, so she took some inspiration from the plants growing around her property and created a series focused on the romantic legend of the beautiful naupaka flower. The projects, in other words, are never-ending.

As Roth continues to paint the world with her vibrant palette, her art serves as a reminder of the power of creativity to uplift spirits and forge connections across cultures and continents. Through her gallery in Kailua and beyond, she leaves an indelible mark on the art world, one that is as colorful and inspiring as the landscapes she calls home.