The Art of Building Functional Sculptures ~ Lauren HB Studio
In this maker-to-maker interview series, we talk to Lauren about her chosen medium that she also uses to create installation art, sculptures, as well as public + private commissions.
Annie (SKUE): You not only make functional ceramics but you also have a fine arts background — you received your MFA from the University of Minnesota. How does your studio practice influence your functional and decorative objects and vice versa? Does receiving feedback on one effect the other?
Lauren: My ceramics career began with functional work but quickly moved away from it in school to focus on sculpture. Early on, my sculptures were heavily influenced from my pottery, taking a lot of formal cues in terms of color and shape. As I continued to make sculpture, that work took on its own life. When I returned to making pots about four years ago I wanted to play and see what came out of my brain without putting too much pressure on myself.
My functional and sculptural work represent two really different sides of me. I think sometimes I’m too close to the work to see all the similarities, but formally, I think there’s a lot of commonalities.
Annie: What a great idea to have a balance between your fine art practice and your pottery. I absolutely love the surface texture on your bowls and small dishes. How did you settle on your glazes and finishes, and why is it important that they are functional and food safe vs. only visual objects?
Lauren: Thank you! My glazes are made from scratch from recipes I’ve accumulated from other artists and have revised to reflect what I want to see in the glaze.
I pick glazes that break on the edges to show off the forms.
I also love when I can see subtle crystal growth in the surface because it adds a lot of depth. I love that my pieces are functional because it’s so unexpected of the work. The forms don’t necessarily look functional but that’s the fun of it!
Annie: The functionality of your pieces is definitely a surprising treat! What is next for you in both your studio and maker practice?
Lauren: I’m building my wholesale relationships so that I can spend more time in the studio designing. I’m working on a new line of work that includes serving trays and plates. I love making vases and am working on scaling up.
I have a really busy schedule for sculpture too! I’m working on a public art project for downtown Cleveland this spring. I also have sculptures headed to Maine and Pittsburgh this spring and summer. And this fall I’ll have a three-person exhibition in the Cleveland area. I love that my art practice takes me in so many directions.
Annie: Congrats on your many upcoming projects, and thank you so for your answers! We look forward to helping with your wholesale career!
Every week we do live interviews on Instagram with our makers before featuring them here. Are you interested in joining our wholesale collective? Apply at skue.co/makers
