Lauren Pedersen

Hometown:

voluntown, CT

Statement:

'Realizing the interpretatory openness of the work of art I have come to consider the finished work as altogether less important than the process of making it. When I work, a dialogue evolves between the work and the moment I live in.' ~Gerhild Tschachler-Nagy

Sensation is what interested me about clay in the very beginning; the intense concentration and simultaneous relaxation that occurs when being with something solid, yet fluid, plastic yet forgiving, sliding through your hands and fingers. After 8 years of creating works in clay, I have come to feel and understand a plethora of sensations, internally and externally. While working with the ceramic process, I now understand that each inanimate clay object i finish evokes many feelings. Sensations such as a feeling of accomplishment, frustration, loss, excitement, and disappointment and so many more can all come directly from the ceramic process. Each attempt at success carries it’s own set of risks, and I have learned to take as many risks and challenges as possible. I learned to stretch the limits of possibility and to push the clay and myself to discover more. My art is a reflection of my desire for ever new sensations. Not only what
the piece conveys to me, but also the feeling it gives to the viewer. My main aesthetic goal is to make each piece unique in its own form. Therefore, the opportunity to experience different sensations, changes with the creation and completion of every ceramic piece. I relish in accident, which has aided me to move into a more sculptural thought process and mid-frame. Exploring different forms allows me to better understand the nature of the clay medium, and to challenge myself to excel in my creative and technical abilities.The unavoidable and unpredictable way of the ceramic process kindles new directions for me and what i think 'my art' is. Instead of dismissing an idea entirely, I will take part of it and use it in another piece. I strive to create works of art that make people think about the dynamic nature of clay and the full range of its character. I try to keep an open mind by varying the technique used as much as possible in the construction of my works, such as hand-building, mark making, wheel working, all combined with alterations.When mentally visualizing a final piece, I search out the most appropriate technique for its successful completion. The final product always comes out completely different than my original vision. Ultimately, i would like to mesh function with sculpture,  raw nature with modernity, selfish curiosity with selfless abandon, and to never cease being curious of the world and the beauty it has to offer us at every moment. 

Background:

I started throwing pots in high school and give props to Kathleen Algere who, as a strong supporter of individual expression and uniquity in each student, would rather die than impose her own visions onto us while we created. She helped me to slow down, be patient, and be open-minded to all possibility. When I went to study undergrad work in the arts, I was blessed with the presence of my mentor, Jon Keenan. He would always remind us that “there are no ideas, only concepts”, and give us the space to independently create, while offering objective guidance. I was able to completely lose myself for hours on end in the studio, and came to fully understand the notion of non-attachment in relation to the clay medium. I recall one semester, right before I declared my art focus, creating more pieces than I ever have, and more than some of the students in the class! Those few months helped me refine my vision, and allowed me to recognize my passion in a way that has forever changed the way I view myself and my relationship with nature and people. From that time, I have been fixated on exploring that creative aspect of myself and how it relates to every aspect of the way I interpret this world.

Upcoming Events:

not yet, but hopefully soon!!

Showings:

visit my myspace for past work....still developing current projects, and establishing connections in the east bay.....if you know anyone i should know, give me a shout out!!!

http://www.myspace.com/lbplovesthrowinpots 

Other:

"The great object in life is Sensation—to feel that we exist, even though in pain; it is this “craving void” which drives us to gaming, to battle, to travel, to intemperate but keenly felt pursuits of every description whose principal attraction is the agitation inseparable from their accomplishment." -Byron