The Founders
This collaboration is inspired by the idea of correspondence and how absence makes the heart grow fonder. Collections of functional, ceramic homeware handmade by Lauren Ytterbom and illustrated by Danielle Brodersen of Future Friends co.
Lauren Ytterbom
M.A. Art Therapy, B.A. Fine Arts
As a ceramic artist, every time I enter my studio and sit at the wheel, I consider it my imperative to bring to life that which may first exist as merely a loose idea or a vague feeling. Much like a ball of clay is pushed and pulled, I consistently strive to stretch the limits of my creative ideas to their outermost perimeters.
As the creator and owner of Lauren Ytterbom Ceramics, I create work that is modern, timeless, and functional, but that is also imperfectly handmade. I continuously hone my design, my craftsmanship, and my production methods. My creative process necessitates an ongoing practice that is repetitive but that is never mundane, because dedication to a life as an artist guarantees endless surprises, challenges, breakthrough moments, and epiphanies.
The epiphany that pottery is an ancient and sacred art form, and that each ceramic vessel tells a unique story that may be collected, treasured, and passed along as an heirloom from one generation to the next. The “Wish You Were Here, Dear” collections are founded on just this idea. Every piece is carefully crafted to be both useful and forever treasured.
Danielle Brodersen
B.A. Graphic Design
Objects have history. Through my illustrations, I try to tie to a moment, place or feeling. While I use minimal colors and strokes, I hope to use detail and character to create a sense of depth and emotion. Tying memory to feeling. Creating a bridge between drawing and heart.
As people we are collectors and storytellers. I believe there is power in the connections we make as we grow and adventure and learn. My goal is to create moments that are new and still somehow familiar. Meeting with an old friend, maybe for the first time.
Working as a Graphic Designer and co owner of Future Friends Co, I create meaningful brands for a variety of businesses, with an emphasis on narratives and conceptual problem solving.
How it all began...
Beginning in March of 2020, the world pandemic created new waves of emotions and unfamiliar ebbs and flows of life and creativity in which new challenges arose daily. Like so many others, we found ourselves longing for people and places that seemed further away than ever.
Our "Wish You Were Here, Dear" series emerged slowly and subtly as we dusted off our sketchbooks and reopened them with new perspectives and purposes. Suddenly, we found ourselves transported to times and places during which our sole collective focus was traveling throughout Europe, observing that continent’s awe-inspiring art, and drawing "en plein air".
