Gabija Lakaviciute is a 14-year-old student at Moulsham High School in Chelmsford with a clear passion for art. Drawing since they were little, Gabija now experiments with a range of materials, including alcohol markers, acrylics, coloured pencils and digital tools. Their style is bold and expressive, often inspired by nature, insects, and their dog, Luna.
For Buzz in the City, Gabija created Hive Mind—a sculpture influenced by optical illusions and the idea of perception. The design uses repeating patterns and subtle shifts, echoing the hidden depth found in stereograms. With rich purples and golds, Hive Mind encourages people to pause, focus, and look a little deeper.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how people can be drawn in or hypnotised by ideas,” says Gabija. “Hive Mind is a visual metaphor for that—there’s more going on than you might see at first.”
Gabija only heard about the opportunity days before the deadline but was keen to take part, both to gain experience and to support Farleigh Hospice. “I’m only 14, so I didn’t expect anything to come of it—but I’m really glad it did.”
Painting the bee came with its challenges—especially the trickier areas underneath. “I spent ages lying on the floor painting upwards,” Gabija says. “At one point I dipped my hair in the paint and didn’t even realise until I watched a video back!”
Visitors to the trail might spot a small signature hidden beneath one of the hexagons—a subtle personal touch. Nature continues to be a major influence in Gabija’s work, especially the tangled, mysterious sides. “Things like fungi, vines, and how nature quietly takes over—I try to capture that feeling in my art.”
We’re proud to have Gabija’s work featured as part of Buzz in the City. You can find Hive Mind outside Brewhouse & Kitchen, and explore more at www.buzzinthecity.co.uk.