Lauren Buschek is a ceramic artist, who primarily creates sculptural works. She got her BFA from Governors State University in Illinois and is currently enrolled in a Post Bac program at Hartford University in Connecticut.
My current work is a series of self-portraits that represent my healing journey from sexual abuse. They embody rage, violence, body dysmorphia, the abject, and discomfort, as well as healing.
My process, materials, and non-ceramic objects allow me to convey abuse 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 a coil method of building. 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. These works allow me to have control and a voice when I usually feel like I don’t. I have the ability to share the truth through my 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.
Education
2022 Post Bac Residency, University of Hartford, Hartford, CT
2021 BFA, Governor State University, University Park, IL
2019 Associates in Art, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL
Employment
2021-22 Ceramic Studio Assistant, University of Hartford, Hartford, CT
Awards
2021 GSU/CAS/DAL/Art Program Purchase Award and GSU Permanent Collection
2019 Distinction in Visual Arts Scholarship
Exhibitions
2022 The 2022 Alexander A. Goldfarb Juried Student Exhibition, Joseloff Gallery,
Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
2022 Human Faces & Figures, Las Laguna Art Gallery, Online Exhibition
2021 Governors State University MFA & BFA Show, McCord Gallery & Culture
Center, Palos Park, IL
2021 Art as a Response to Mental Health, Doncaster Art Fair, Online Exhibition
2021 BFA Exhibition, Governor State University, University Park, IL
2020 Focus On: Textures Sculpture, Ceramics, and Fiber Arts, Ridgefield Guild of
Artists, Ridgefield, CT
2019 Seven, Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL
2018 KCC Student Art Exhibition, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL
2017 KCC Student Art Exhibition, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL
Related Experience
2021-22 Teachers Assistant, University of Hartford, Hartford, CT
2019 Vice President of Art Forum, Governor State University, University Park, IL