Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek

Bio

Lauren Buschek is a 24 year old ceramic artist from a small town in Illinois, about an hour south of Chicago. She received her BFA in ceramics at Governors State University in May of 2021, and is currently undergoing a Post Bac Residency at the University of Hartford. She specializes in abstract figurative ceramic sculpture, but also creates functional ceramic works and mixed media.     

Ceramic Sculpture by Laurne Buschek

Artist Statement

My current work is a series of self-portraits that represent my healing journey from sexual trauma and abuse. They embody rage, violence, body dysmorphia, the abject, and discomfort, as well as comfort.     

My process, materials, and non-ceramic objects allow me to convey trauma as well as healing. I use low fire, red earthenware clay because there is sparse shrinkage during firing and glazes appear richer. I mainly use coil and/or slab methods of building. Others were created with bisque press molds. Texture is an important aspect of these pieces. I use texture to make the pieces flesh-like. Terra sig is used to create a skin-like texture. Glaze is used to create a wet texture. Creating skin folds add to the flesh-like texture and aid in creating a look of trauma. Raised slip dots are used to create an irritated chicken skin texture. Non-ceramic materials also aid in creating different textures and help convey my ideas of the abject, violence, rage, and discomfort. Hair creates a feeling of discomfort. Silicon and gloss medium create the appearance of gooey, bodily fluids. Non-ceramic materials add a violent, harshness against the fleshy pieces that they are piercing through. The installation aspect of some pieces force the viewers to be engulfed by the work, similar to being engulfed by possessive thoughts of body dysmorphia; fixating on parts of the body. These works allow me to have control and a voice when I usually feel like I don’t. I have the ability to share my truth and control how the viewer perceives the work.    

Creating ceramic sculptures about my journey helps me process and heal. I also hope that it may help others who have experienced similar traumas heal and feel less alone in their healing journey.  

@laurenbuschek97  

Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek
Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek
Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek
Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek
Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek
Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek
Ceramic Sculpture by Lauren Buschek