Local Creator Spotlight: Lauren Iida Brings The Sleep of Reason to Bothell

Lauren Iida’s hand-cut paper works blend heritage, memory, and storytelling into striking pieces that challenge us to look closer. Her latest show, The Sleep of Reason, is on view now at the Bothell City Hall Gallery. 

With roots in Bothell and a passion for connecting communities through art, Lauren invites visitors to experience her work as both a reflection of history and an exploration of what shapes us today. Whether you’re a local art lover or planning a fall getaway, this is the perfect time to see Bothell’s creative side in action.

[Q] Your exhibit, The Sleep of Reason, is on display at Bothell City Hall Gallery. What inspired this body of work, and what do you hope visitors take away from it?

“Entitled, The Sleep of Reason, the exhibition includes intimate cut-paper portraits of children spanning time and geography. It also includes site-specific installation featuring paper scenes rendered slightly larger than life. Expanding on my previous work, which was largely focused on the unjust incarceration of my Japanese American ancestors during WWII, I connect themes of identity, a loss of childhood innocence, collective memory, and cultural erasure. Viewers will be invited to consider the fact that a loss of innocence in children is a loss of innocence for all. The title of this exhibition, The Sleep of Reason, is derived from a print by Spanish artist, Goya, created between 1797 and 1799, entitled "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters." In this allegory, Goya depicts himself asleep at his desk, unaware of the monsters and frightening creatures rising up behind him. His work warns that without logical reasoning, death, destruction, and corruption prevail.”

[Q] Much of your art involves intricate hand-cut paper. What first sparked your passion for this medium, and what keeps you coming back to it?

“I have been developing my cut paper practice for more than a decade, and it's become my primary medium for its versatility and directness. I love the process of paring down complex images into simple lines and playing with shadows and negative space. My cut paper work naturally transfers into durable substrates for permanent public art like sculpture, fencing, mosaic, and other architectural elements.”

[Q] Memory and storytelling often play a role in your pieces. How do you approach weaving those themes into your work?

“I am as much a storyteller as a visual artist. My recurring large-scale paper cut installation, the Memory Net, has traveled the world, taking on new meaning as I use it to engage new communities. Through personal conversations with my elders and other research, I often tell the stories of my Japanese American ancestors who were unjustly incarcerated for their race during WWII. Our stories, like the stories of so many in our current political climate, are being actively censored. It is imperative that we continue to share, commemorate, and value the lived experiences of all of our community members.”

[Q] How has Bothell’s arts community welcomed or inspired you during your time here?

“Bothell is a rapidly growing city with exciting potential to become an arts hub. It's great to see a thriving creative sector here and that the city recognizes the value of art for its residents and creative economy.”

Tourism & Local Connection

[Q] If someone is planning a trip to Bothell to see your installation, what other local spots — like galleries, coffee shops, or parks — would you recommend they check out while they’re here?

“I love [The Park at Bothell Landing] and like to walk the trail along the Burke-Gilman Trail. I always visit the tunnel mural by my late mentor, Kristen Ramirez, which the trail leads through. My daughter's favorite park is Miner's Corner, and we love The Cottage and, of course, [Ranch Drive-In]!”

[Q] Community plays such a big role in your art. What does it mean to share your work in a setting where neighbors, artists, and visitors all come together?

“Art is a great connector and a powerful tool in connecting people in ways that they may not otherwise connect. It's always fun to share my artwork with others because each viewer will discover something meaningful for themselves in my work.”

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