If you have ever seen the movie “Office Space”, you know that working in a herd of cubicles that suck the life out of you is no motivation to even show up to work! Thankfully, Lauren Marks, 97.7 The River middays, has offered to share her snazzy and inspirational decor.
“Personalization of your space is essential to creative work flow and success….it’s kinda like peeing in the corner to own it. I mean that figuratively, please don’t pee in any corners (laughing).”
Upon first glance, it appears chaotic…like a Jackson Pollack painting. However, you get pulled in, and you can’t help but examine all the knick knacks that fit in the mind of a 50 year old toddler.
“Please don’t mention my age,” Lauren asks. Ironically, the “toddler” reference is ok.
As we look around, we see many photos of Lauren Marks with a number of musicians of the hard rock/heavy metal variety, like Dave Mustaine and David Ellefeson of Megadeth and Frankie Benali of Anthrax. There are also pictures of co-workers she has worked with over the years. “I’m sad that three of my former co-workers, who were wonderful friends, have passed on over the years. I want to remember them, and I get to see them everyday in my space…Todd Pyne, Jon Snyder, and Craig Humphries. All gone too soon.”
Sensing that Lauren is ready to make things awkward with tears in her eyes, we change the subject and ask about her love of Star Wars.
“Star Wars! I love everything about Star Wars! Except the Ewoks. They are the stupidest creatures in the Star Wars lore. Just greedy merchandising!” “Worse than Jar Jar binks?” we ask. “Oh my God, yes! The Ewoks were a deliberate marketing move to get kids to come to see “Return of the Jedi” and scream about wanting a Star Wars teddy bear. When making money is more important that quality….”
“Isn’t it likely that’s how they funded their film budget and special effects?” we ask.
“Well….yeah…but still!”
Moving on, we spot a drawing Lauren did of Yoda with the famous quote “Do or do not, there is no try”. “Words I live by.” Really? What has Lauren done lately? “Well, I recently colored my hair purple…” Successfully? “Yes , but it didn’t last. So it ended sooner than I thought.” So nothing really exciting like jumping out of an airplane or swimming with sharks? ” I have a horse, I think that’s exciting enough.”
On top of her cubicle storage space is a gaggle of bobble heads, with characters from “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Dr. Strange”, “Captain America”, “Supernatural”, and, of course, “Star Wars”. However, there is some important pieces missing.
“Where is Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi?”
“Well, I haven’t gotten around to purchasing them….”
“…and Star Wars 7?”
“I have a BB-8 Christmas ornament.”
“So, are you going to add Rey and Finn?”
“Eventually.”
“Also, why would you take them out of their boxes. It diminishes the value of the bobble head, you won’t get any money…”
“I don’t buy the bobble heads for investments. I just like them and they add personality to my space.”
Awkaward silence ensues. So we press on. “Who did these cute little paintings? They look totally different that your art.”
“Yeah, my friend Michelle Marques painted them. She focused on doing mini paintngs and channeled pop culture with Grumpy Cat.” Lauren says.
Lauren’s own artwork is fairly eclectic, varying from horses that looked like they’re mummies wrapped up in tape, very colorful abstract pieces, and even some pen and ink work. She has participated in many shows over the years, and has sold quite a few. In addition, she does all the graphics for Amaturo Sonoma Media Group, digital and print.
“Do people come hang out at your cubicle space?”
“No, everyone is so busy working, doing their own thing. Understand that I don’t decorate my cubicle to entertain others, I’m honestly not looking for compliments or approval. However, the variety and the colors motivate me to be creative.” Lauren says.
“And your company is ok with it?”
“Well, let’s be honest, I work in a business that screams creativity. I don’t have anything offensive. We do have tours come through occasionally, like boy scouts, girl scouts, sometimes listeners, and definitely clients or potential clients. I have no desire to make anyone uncomfortable with my decor. So far, the bobble heads have been a big draw.”
I think it’s safe to say the corporate world is not for Lauren Marks.
Check out a video tour of Lauren Marks’ cubicle.