Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauren Herzak-Bauman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I was born to two overly supportive parents, and a long lineage of creative spirits on both sides of my family. When I gravitated towards art, my parents were thrilled that I found something I loved and supported me in my pursuits. When I had idea, I didn’t hear no; instead they asked me how I set out to accomplish it.

As a former college professor, I worked with so many young adults with parents that did not support their dreams. I saw it as my job to step in and cheer them on and validate their existence as artists. Don’t we all just want to be seen in what we love and choose to do for our livelihoods? Whether art or something else, or even something that isn’t a passionate pursuit, it is so important to be supported and lifted up on that path.

That’s what my parents did right. They saw me. Even when they didn’t understand what I was doing, they still found a way to connect and support that vision. Like when I wanted to make large-scale site-specific temporary installations that didn’t really have a price tag and could only go in very specific places like galleries or museums, they supported me. If they questioned it, they didn’t let on. They only asked me questions that led to me getting to my goal.

Now I am a mother. I see the creativity in and glimmer in my son‘s eyes when he builds trains or draws trains or plays with trains. When I sit there with him for hours and hours as he follows his train-loving heart, I think of parents and I take a deep breath and ask him how he can build an even train track.

I don’t know if son will be an artist or an engineer, though I certainly sense a proclivity toward those pursuits. I just want him to be happy and know that I see him in what he chooses to do and that I will do my best to learn and grow with him so I can support as my parents supported me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I sortof came out of the womb making things. I have loved art as long as I can remember. My mom started a community art center when I was young and I started taking classes. I learned to throw pots before I could drive. Once I touched clay, I was hooked.

After getting a BFA and MFA in art, I started teaching college and making art in my own studio. I loved teaching college-helping people learn and grow through art was rewarding. When I moved back to Northeast Ohio after living away for several years, I found myself without a job. I turned toward my artwork to make a living. I am in my sixth year of self-employment and although I miss teaching, I feel at home in this pursuit.

My primary goal as an artist is to create a transformative experience for the viewer. I use ideas of resilience and change, movement and repetition to accomplish this. I feel a call to make beautiful things. My practice is three-fold; I make pottery, sculpture, and public and private commissions.

I think what sets me apart from others is my bold approach to idea and material. When I marry concept and craft, my artwork is successful. I bring my hand into my work, whether big or small, and am not afraid to try new things, however risky.

I am most proud of not compromising on my varied interests. I love the many facets of my art practice and I recognize I need them. Recently, I learned that I have ADHD. Discovering this as an adult has shed light on my approach to my business and my need to have a lot of different things going on. I feel more accepting of who I am as an artist than I ever have before.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As many of us did, I had to pivot when the pandemic hit in March 2020. I had just attended my most successful trade show and had dozens of pottery orders to fill. In early March, one by one, buyers canceled their orders, and it devastated me. Without work to make, I left my studio and returned home to keep my family safe.

When we heard about the mask shortage, my mom and I started sewing face masks for direct caregivers for people with disabilities. Friends started calling and asking if they could buy masks from me. Suddenly, I found myself running a face mask business. By May, I had sewn over 500 face masks and recruited my husband and mom to help. The mask income got me over the hump of the early pandemic days.

While I am no longer sewing face masks, I pivot again and started sewing apparel. Sewing has become a much loved hobby. I now sew my own clothes, a practice that has transformed my relationship with clothing and my body.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

My go-to book when I need sound advice, or to know that I am not alone in my struggles, is Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking, by David Bayles and Ted Orland. As the title states, this book is about the fear that often accompanies artmaking. The authors address dozens of those fears by naming them and providing insight and advice on how to deal with them. I revisit this book constantly.

I really love the video Ten Bullets by Tom Sachs. Tom Sachs is a working artist and this video serves as a training manual of sorts for assistants coming to work at his studio. But really, it outlines the need for rules in a creative space. One of Sachs’ arguments is that creativity is the enemy of productivity, and this video highlights a similar sentiment. Ten Bullets is a humorous but insightful short video that has helped me make plans and find organization in my studio.

Finally, I have to recommend The Art of Rejection by Arthur Gonzalez. This book hearkens back to a time when artists received acceptance and rejection letters in the mail. Gonzalez illustrated his emotions around these letters directly on the letters, highlighting spelling and syntax errors while making his fears of rejection visible. The letters serve as art therapy but also show that even successful artists experience rejection.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurenhbstudio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurenhb

Image Credits
Lauren Herzak-Bauman Megan Young