Arcilla, esmalte y moda creativa
Strategic Pivot Part 2: Navigating External Forces & Letting Go
I'm in the midst of a strategic pivot! If this is your first time reading, I recommend catching up with the first part of this here: [link] Navigating External Forces: The Business Environment The decision to pivot wasn’t just about personal needs—it was shaped by the changing landscape of the ceramic industry and the challenges that came with it. During the pandemic, supply chains shifted, shipping costs skyrocketed, and material shortages became common. The pottery business, which relied on consistent production, was suddenly much more difficult to maintain. When materials were discontinued after a season’s worth of work had already been made, it was frustrating, to say the least. The external realities of the business world made me realize that I needed to be more agile—not just in my vision, but in the way I worked. Pottery requires repetition and precision, but that rigidity was becoming harder to maintain in a market that was constantly shifting. The flexibility that sculpture and one-of-a-kind art offered me was exactly what I needed to move forward, without the constant hurdles that the pottery side of the business presented. A small collection of all the different collections we've sent out over the years. Plus a fun example of unexpected material changes. Letting Go: Embracing the Shift Letting go of the pottery line wasn’t an easy decision. When I first made the choice, I felt some guilt—like I was letting go of something that had brought me success. But as I took the time to sit with this decision, I realized that I wasn’t failing—I was simply evolving. There were many lessons to be learned from the pottery side of my business, but holding on to it for the sake of familiarity wasn’t going to serve me in the long run. Embracing this change with grace came from understanding that I was aligning myself with my truest desires. As I began to make the pivot, I felt lighter. The fear and guilt began to fade, replaced by excitement and a deep sense of relief. I’ve shared this decision with my community—both my business partners and my friends—and have received nothing but support. It’s clear that this shift aligns with the energy I’m putting out into the world, and the people who are drawn to that energy are the ones who will find my work most resonant. The process of letting go isn’t just about business—it’s about embracing the future, both in my work and in the world around me. As we move toward the new chapter, I’ll share more about how I’ve found peace in this shift and how I’m ready to move forward with intention. All the bisque work over the years. Next time, I’ll be revealing what’s next—how the focus on sculpture and one-of-a-kind art will take shape, and how I’m aligning my creative vision with the future of the studio. But before we get there, if you’ve been thinking about adding something to your collection, don’t miss your chance to shop pieces at 60% off with code GOODBYE60. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Shop the goodbye sale here: [link]
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Strategic Pivot Part 1: Recognizing the Need for Change & Answering the Call
In 2013, I returned to Cleveland with no job but a belief that I would find a way to create in my hometown. I had been making sculpture, applying for public art commissions, and seeking the kind of work that would give me the most studio time and flexibility. Upon returning, I found myself drawn back to pottery, a medium that had always held a special place in my heart. I decided to teach myself slip casting—something I hadn’t learned formally in school—and quickly began making a few cups and bowls. When I showcased that first set of work at my first Open Studio at The Screw Factory, the response was incredible. People were excited, they bought the work, and it felt deeply affirming. These pics are all from my first year back in Cleveland! Hot studio, lots of pots, lots of sculptures. From that moment, everything took off. I started learning about line sheets, trade shows, and the wholesale business. Soon, I was traveling to New York, meeting businesses of all sizes, and selling my pottery across the country. At first, it was a success. But when the pandemic hit, I saw a significant shift. My wholesale pottery business dropped off, but my online sales soared. 2020 turned out to be my best year, and for the next two years, things continued to flourish. Yet, as 2023 began, the pottery sales started to slow down again. And alongside that, something unexpected began to grow: my sculpture and commission work. By the end of 2022, I was doing both—dividing my time between pottery production and sculpture commissions—but by 2024, the pottery side of things was slowing down. It became clear that something had to change. An Internal Shift Choosing to pivot a business is never an easy decision, but when the year began, I knew it was time for change. I could feel the imbalance in how money was flowing into the business, but I didn’t have all the data to back it up. It wasn’t until I separated out the profit and loss from my pottery sales and my sculpture sales that I saw the truth: the pottery business was operating at a loss, while the sculpture side of things was thriving, though it was held back by the financial burden of pottery production. I couldn’t ignore the numbers, and once I saw the truth clearly, the decision became unavoidable. In May, I made the announcement to my staff that I would be winding down the pottery business in order to fully dedicate myself to sculpture and commissions. This wasn’t a decision made lightly, but it felt like the right step to take. As I reflect on the changes and shifts in my business, I’m excited for what’s to come. But change takes time, and I’m not done sharing my journey with you yet. Next month, I’ll dive deeper into the forces outside my control that pushed me to make this shift—and the personal challenges of letting go of what was familiar. It’s not an easy process, but it’s one that feels necessary for my growth. In the meantime, I'm parting ways with work that's leaving the collection. If you’ve had your eye on something, now’s your chance to grab it at 60% off with code GOODBYE60. This is your last opportunity to own one of these special pieces before they’re gone. Shop the goodbye sale here: [link]
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Concept, Creation, Completion: Anatta at Enso Verde
Experience a captivating ceramic stone art installation by Lauren HB Studio at Enso Verde in Simi Valley, California. This nature-inspired artwork fosters a sense of tranquility and connection to the environment.
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Shoppe Object at High Point Fall 2024
Shoppe Object at High Point is a wrap! This show is such an infusion of energy and creativity. I truly value each conversation with both vendors and buyers and cannot wait to get back to the studio and get making.
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A Pause for Pausing
A few weeks ago, I celebrated my friend's birthday by hosting her friends and sister for a painting party. We made paintings about things/places/memories/dreams we love. I ended up painting a picture of building blocks I played with as a child. It was a time of pure creativity, a core memory that still sits with me today, is a big part of my "why," and is an internal space I try to return to often. While watching an episode about creativity on Brain Child, I was reminded of why we often lose our creativity as we get older. We make less space for it, as our lives become filled with other things that require a lot of attention. As I was sitting there with my son and thinking about all the responsibility and awareness we are creating for him, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for doing anything that takes him away from creative time. As a mom and a full-time artist, my capacity to do much of anything diminishes with more responsibility, lack of sleep, and busy schedules. No wonder I enjoyed this painting session so much - a quick pause in the hurry, a quick moment for creativity not attached to anything but finding space. Finding pause. It's easy to forget the simple joys that bring us peace and connection. Even I take for granted items in my home that offer just this. But there are moments to connect, to take a pause everywhere. It’s the mindset I need to work on. This brings me to my mug cabinet. I have a very hefty collection of handmade mugs (and a few that aren’t, but are so sentimental I just can’t part with them), and I choose a mug each morning from which to drink my coffee. I generally rotate between 3-5 mugs, depending on the season, the color, the handfeel, and the amount of sleep from the night before. Every morning, I have a chance to pause, to touch the handles, to feel the rim on my lips, to see the steam rising, to feel the heat on my throat, to taste the light roasted beans we are obsessed with. And maybe this isn’t a moment for creativity, but it is a moment for observation - what do I love? Why do I keep choosing it? What does this object evoke that I revisit every day? From here, from being present in my pause, from this reflection, I can take a breath. A breath that can fuel the rest of it. A chance to be in the moment with these beautiful objects every single day. Handmade pottery is more than just beautiful objects; it's an embodiment of care, craftsmanship, and the quiet moments that create those pauses. I invite you to enjoy a peaceful morning with a handmade pot coupled with food or drink, be it a mug, a plate, or a cup. I wrote out an exercise that might bring you into a pause to fuel your own creativity and connection to an object. Give it a chance for two weeks (they say two weeks creates a habit, right?) Write about it. See what comes up for you. I will do the same. I’ll share on my stories. And remember! There's no right or wrong here. Meditation on Pottery Connection: Pick out a handmade pot from your collection and find spot to sit. Set a timer for five minutes. Start with a few deep breaths to clear out your mind. Notice what’s there, but don’t judge. Allow your energy to settle on this one task. When you are ready, pick up the pot you chose. Observe the sensations from this object. Try not to judge. When you timer goes off, take notes of your observations on your phone. Did you notice something new? Did anything surprise you? Did you find your thoughts running away? Judging what you were holding?
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While in Castine, Volume 4, Part 1
I’m wrapping up my monthlong creative sabbatical here in Castine. As with all things, life speeds up and slows down when I spend a month away from home base. Every happening becomes expansive, and I find my days completely filled with moments I never want to forget.
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Cooking my way through a new cookbook!
Ever since I got my hands on Erin French’s new cookbook, Big Heart, Little Stove, I knew I wanted to cook my way through it, one recipe at a time. I love cooking, I love cookbooks, so it’s a good fit! But as much as a Iove collecting cookbooks, I often let them sit on my shelf, finding one or two recipes and then forgetting the rest. So I’m breaking a habit, doing something I love, supporting someone who has supported me.
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Looking back, looking ahead, pt. 1
It’s time for a little reflection! Get ready for a deep dive into what worked (and what didn’t) in 2023. I’ll be diving into what’s next in 2024 in the next post!
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While in Castine vol. 3, part 2
Oh Maine! You will always have my heart with your moody days and your beautiful growth and your respected piles of purposeful neglect! It’s easy to see why this place is so inspiring to so many artists, yes? Here’s a few more things from our trip.
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While in Castine vol. 3, part 1
I’m on creative sabbatical in Maine right now. This is our 3rd year of taking a month away from the daily goings on in NE Ohio to make art on the shores of the Blue Hill Peninsula.
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