Lauren Eckstein Schonekas has always had a passion for art.  As a native to New Orleans, she had many opportunities to explore and indulge in the decadence and diversity of the art, architecture, and passions of the Crecent City. 

Schonekas is a graduate of The Academy of Sacred Heart and the University of Georgia. A nurturer at heart, she obtained her Masters of Social Work from Tulane in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and worked as a therapist, providing grief and trauma counseling to children of New Orleans. While working in therapy, Schonekas rekindled her creative energy, specializing in jewelry design through her company, Construct Jewelry, which focused on revitalizing vintage pieces into unique and modern designs.  In a similar fashion, Schonekas takes us on a journey of recreating through her Bird Series paintings.

Juxtaposing the technical detail found in the acrylic application of the birds with the whimsical and exuberant dimension of the feathers and gold leaf, Schonekas creates a magical menagerie that invites the audience to challenge the boundaries of reality.  

Representation

Claire Elizabeth Gallery/  New Orleans/  December, 2016

Saint Claude Social Club/  New Orleans/  February, 2016