Crafting Dreams: The Artistry Behind Animal Costume Heads

In the heart of Berlin, textile artist Lisa Laurén merges imagination with craftsmanship, creating vibrant animal heads for theatrical performers. Her work, rooted in a playful spirit from her youth, showcases her deep connection to the theater and her prestigious clientele.

In a bustling Berlin neighborhood, textile artist Lisa Laurén has carved a niche for herself with her enchanting creations: vibrant animal costume heads that serve as an imaginative bridge for performers. Drawing from a foundation of creativity nurtured during her artsy upbringing in a Swedish commune, Laurén approaches each new commission with excitement, comparing the process to “going on a play date.”

Her workshop is filled with a colorful array of animal heads, each in various stages of creation. "I’m trying to condense somebody else’s dream and make it into something," she explains, illustrating her commitment to transforming the visions of others into tangible art. A foiled clay fox head sits ready for its next crafting phase, highlighting the intricate care she devotes to her work.

Laurén's animal heads are a side venture within her broader career as a freelance textile artist. She is known for creating lavish backdrops and costumes for prestigious clients, including Netflix, Apple TV+, and the Metropolitan Opera. Her foray into making animal heads began in 2011 when the Komische Oper Berlin approached her for a special project involving Leos Janacek’s opera "The Cunning Little Vixen," famed for its forest animal characters.

With price tags ranging from $2,500 to $3,500, Laurén's captivating designs not only enhance performances but also express the artistry that reflects her unique creative journey.