LAUREN L. SCHEELE CERAMICS
BIOGRAPHY
Lauren L. Scheele is a Nebraska based artist who who received her Bachelor in Arts from Doane University in 2014, and her Master of Fine Arts from Fort Hays State University in 2017.
Scheele creates contemporary figurative sculptures, ranging in size from figurines to large installations, which investigate the concept of body image, beauty standards, and self-acceptance.
Scheele has had work accepted into national and international exhibitions including America’s Clay Fest III at Blue line Arts Gallery, The Ninth Annual Human Form Exhibition at Hilliard Gallery, and The 22nd San Angelo National Ceramic Competition at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art. During the winter or 2016, Scheele completed an international residency at the Sanbao Ceramic Art Institute in Sanbao, China.
Currently, Scheele is the owner of Blush Ceramic Studio in Beatrice, NE and adjuncts for Fort Hays State University and Doane University.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Body image is an issue that women face on a daily basis. Impossible beauty standards are constantly pushed on us by media and society. We are made to feel that if we don't meet these beauty standards that we are not beautiful. We come to believe that our breasts, thighs, and stomachs are too large or too small, and that our stretch marks, moles, and cellulite are flaws. We attempt to reach this so called “perfect” body, and in doing so our obsession consumes us.
This body of work explores beauty standards, body image and self-acceptance through portraits in clay. Body castings are used to create these realistic renderings, allowing the ‘flaws’ to be shown in all of their glory. These portraits portray everyday, intimate moments that may be considered taboo. By putting this work out into the world, there is hope that women will start their journey towards self-love and question the standards that society has put on us.