C. J. Lori
Take Me With You, oil on canvas
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I started by using the old style pens you dip in ink wells. I would make intricate drawings, the early ones like mandalas. Eventually, they became more representative and surreal, with creatures and landscape features such as grass made of green fingers.
When did art become a pursuit? It has always been a pursuit of mine, and became my focus after graduating college with a degree in Journalism.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I am self-taught.
How did you first become involved with CAA? I applied to some of the open juried shows, and got in to several. Then there was a call for a show called “Art, Grief and the Land”, and it was perfect for my work but only open to members, so I joined.
Seven Sisters, oil on canvas
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I am VP and Exhibitions Chair of Galatea Fine Art in the South End, a co-op gallery now in its 10th year. For many years I held leadership positions in the Women’s Caucus for Art, both in Boston and on the National Board.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I think the artist plays many roles in our society. If I had to pick one, I would say that artists open our eyes. They open them to beauty, sorrow, injustice, spirituality — everything they can.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I use oil paints because I love them.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I am inspired by nature, so I walk and look around a lot. Usually, I combine a scene I see with imaginative elements. Sometimes I paint a scene the way I see it, and other paintings are completely formed from my imagination.
Leaving the Stand, oil on cradled panel
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I paint a lot of trees, and often these trees have anthropomorphic aspects; bark like skin, branches like limbs, markings like faces. I have an ongoing series since 2005 I call my “Trees Leaving” series. In these paintings, uprooted trees float into the air, leaving a specific scene or soaring into space.
Do you own any art by other artists? Yes, including several Josh Simpson glass pieces and a Joseph Wheelwright stone sculpture.
Do you have any shows coming up? I will have a solo show at Galatea Fine Art in June, 2019, “Close to the Trees”.
See more C.J.!
Website: www.cjlori.com
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