A NOTE FROM LAUREN
Maker, Designer, Creative
Hey! I'm Lauren and I love to make things. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to be an artist. Thanks to a tiny bit of luck and a ton of commitment, I have made my life as a working artist. My work includes pottery and sculpture, commissions and self-initiated projects, sometimes drawing, sometimes sewing, always experimenting. I consider every piece we make a tangible expression of shared joy, curiosity, and reverence. Art is a reminder that beauty lies not in flawless perfection, but in the unique imperfections that tell a story, spark wonder, and connect us to the human hands that brought it to life.
Scroll down to learn more about the history, philosophy, vision and values behind Lauren HB Studio, plus staff bios and more about our process. Thank you always for being here.
- Lauren
The Short and the Long
History, philosophy, values, and vision behind Lauren HB Studio
HISTORY
Lauren Herzak-Bauman, a trained sculptor and educator, possessed a deep love for the transformative powers of art. Inspired by mid-century modern design, the natural world, and the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection), Lauren sought to create objects that elevate the everyday.
In 2013, Lauren's journey took an unexpected turn. Working from her small studio in Lakewood, Ohio, she started experimenting with slipcast pottery. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to marry sculpture with functionality, she taught herself the intricate techniques of this process. Little did she know that this exploration would become the foundation of Lauren HB Studio.
Lauren's unique geometric forms and minimalist style began to resonate with a growing audience. Her pottery, characterized by clean lines and subtle textures, quickly gained popularity. This initial momentum fueled Lauren's ambition, and while her pottery business flourished, she never abandoned her passion for sculpture.
Her dedication and talent led to a significant breakthrough: a public commission for the newly opened Westin Hotel in downtown Cleveland. This large-scale sculpture became a powerful statement of the Studio's ability to merge art with impactful design.
As demand for her pottery grew, Lauren realized she couldn't do it all alone. Her commitment to the handmade process was unwavering, and she carefully assembled a talented team of artisans who shared her passion for craftsmanship. Together, the Lauren HB Studio became a hub of creativity and collaboration.
The studio's expansion didn't diminish their focus on quality; each piece is still thoughtfully designed and handcrafted. This dedication, in combination with Lauren's artistic vision, allowed Lauren HB Studio to become a nationally recognized brand, featured in curated shops and design-conscious homes across the country.
PHILOSOPHY
Lauren HB Studio stands apart with its unwavering philosophy. Lauren believes that art can instill meaning into daily routines and transform environments. Her pottery and sculptures offer an invitation to pause, to appreciate the subtle beauty in function and form.
The studio's aesthetic reflects Lauren's personal artistic journey – a balance between the refined precision of modern design and the organic grace of the natural world. Her work speaks to those who cherish the beauty in both the perfect and the imperfect.
VALUES
- Vibrant Harmony: Color and form in balanced play.
- Playful Exploration: Function finds unexpected forms.
- Intuitive Design: Guided by feeling, shaped by hand.
- Imperfect Beauty: Flaws embraced, uniqueness revealed.
- Curious Spirit: Inspired by the world, forever evolving.
VISION
With a dedicated team, a growing collection of admirers, and a strong artistic identity, Lauren HB Studio is poised for continued evolution. While pottery remains a core pillar, the future may see exploration into new materials and mediums, always guided by the same principles that sparked its inception: the transformative power of art and the belief in making the everyday extraordinary.
Our Team
Meet the beautiful humans who keep the studio moving every day.
Lauren Herzak-Bauman
Founder, Creative Director
I’m holding a key chain that says “live fully and with joy, the moment is now’. It is handmade and the text is broken onto three rings which spin.
If you had to enter the Olympics what sport would it be? Artistic swimming in the summer and curling in the winter.
What is your favorite tree? Weeping Willow.
Of all the places you’ve traveled to, where would you move? Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine and live in a shingled cape cod with a studio barn and sleeping loft.
Laura Clevenger
Production
I'm holding a cluster of treasures that I’ve found along beaches, rivers, and lakes. I love filling my home with little things I’ve discovered and they each hold a sweet memory.
Jam vs. Jelly? Favorite flavor? Why. Jam - specifically made by someone’s grandmother. Strawberry is my favorite - sweet & cozy!
What is your favorite constellation I’ve always been able to recognize the little and big dipper.
What is your favorite pattern and why? Anything with leaves - I love a leaf :)
Stephanie Oyuela
Production
I’m holding a gift from my abuelo (grandfather. He marked a few of the poems we would go over together when I was learning to read.
What is your secret talent?
I am impressively good at sharing reaction gifs.
Where would you go if you could travel to a fictional place?
Traveling to a world where there’s “real” magic.
Have you ever had an unexplainable magical experience?
Wandering the less popular paths at a park and finding a ton of bright mushrooms growing on an old log.
Lauren HB Studio's pottery line utilizes a process known as slipcasting. It begins with Lauren meticulously creating an original design, often inspired by clean geometric shapes. From this original, she crafts a plaster mold. Liquid clay slip is then poured into the mold, and over time, the plaster absorbs some moisture, leaving behind a thin layer of clay that forms the piece.
After the initial casting, Lauren dedicates significant time to refining and embellishing the surfaces of each piece. The glazing process is where her love for color and experimentation shines. She enjoys layering glazes, exploring unique textures, and achieving captivating finishes. Select pieces even undergo an additional luster firing, adding a touch of metallic elegance.
While the studio is known for pottery, Lauren's passion for sculpture remains strong. Her sculptural process is more intuitive and exploratory. She draws inspiration from diverse sources: nature, architecture, even the pottery process itself. Lauren often manipulates clay directly, shaping and transforming it with her hands to create forms that are both organic and thoughtfully constructed.
Drop a Line.
We'd love to chat!
Contact Lauren HB Studio
hello@laurenhbstudio.com
Wholesale Partnerships
Ready to place an order? Order via Faire, Shoppe Online, or email us at hello@laurenhbstudio.com
Commissions
Contact Lauren for commission inquiries