About the Artist
Lauren Dietrich is an interdisciplinary artist from Erie, PA, with a focus in ceramics. She recently graduated from PennWest Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she received a BS in psychology and BFA in ceramics, with a minor in illustration. Dietrich is continuing to work as an artist and plans to go onto graduate school for art therapy.
As a type one diabetic, she reflects on the mental and physical adversities related to living with a chronic illness through art.
Statement
In ceramics, I create both sculptural and functional work. My sculptures are deeply influenced by my experiences living with Type 1 Diabetes and the profound impact it has had on my relationship with food. My work explores both my own perceptions and others' misconceptions of diabetes, challenges stereotypes, and highlights the nuanced realities of living with the condition.
Art has been a vital way for me to come to terms with my chronic illness, explore my complex relationship with food, and eventually feel more at ease in my body. My journey with diabetes and my creative outlets are deeply intertwined; the erratic nature of managing my condition mirrors the unpredictable process of working with clay. The struggle to perfect my art reflects the constant effort to maintain balance in my life while managing my diabetes, both teaching me invaluable lessons in perseverance.
Ultimately, my experiences with diabetes have shaped not only my creative practice but also my approach to life, teaching me to adapt, persevere, and find beauty in the process. Through my art, I seek to raise awareness and provoke thought about the daily struggles, as well as the strength and resilience required to live with diabetes.
