Loren Marks – New York State Of Mind

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

About a month or so ago, we got an e mail from a unique artist who said “I would love an article about me, do you think I would fit.”  When I looked at their work, I was amazed, I said yea this is something we can definitely put in our magazine and right away set up an interview with her.  Loren’s work is bright and cheerful, they use all colors of the spectrum making for a very impressive piece of art.  Her paintings can be admired for their beauty and they also tell a story.  From what I see from her work it wonderfully defines her life in New York City, if you want to know what New York life is like, check out Loren’s work!

Describe yourself as an artist.

An excerpt from my Statement best describes:

Making art can lead you to a balanced ecstasy and it can often leave you feeling cursed. I’ve driven myself close to the vibrations of madness with the desire for truth, gripping the idea tighter until I feel myself choking. I then (again) realize the secret. Move from the INSIDE OUT rather than the outside in. This simple yet challenging, ongoing process of recognizing truth is where authenticity is grounded. It’s where the highest choice is made, the only way to make art and…the best way to live.

This way has been carried into the theme of my work.

SACRED ART is the title to my continuing series of paintings and sculptures. They are visions, epiphanies, prayers and objects of ritual which are intended to serve as tools to guide us to the freedom of instinct (the ultimate survival tool). Instinct is too often ignore and this, I believe, breeds sickness on all levels, be it mental, spiritual or physical. No matter who we are, where we come from or whether we realize it or not, we humans inherently desire the same things: to be awake – aware- whole.

What does art mean to you?  How important is it in today’s society?

In it’s depths – a necessary examination of self deception. Art shakes things up – makes us reflect – connects us to each other. We will always need that. Every generation of artists has this task to perform. However in this time in history, I think it’s imperative we connect to ourselves and each other even more.

What has been your hardest hurdle to overcome with your art?

Myself and balancing time between producing desired amount of work and doing the Life thing (bills, rent, chores, family/friends keeping the boyfriend happy etc..).
 
As an artist, sometimes they are diverse in mediums… What is your preferred medium and are there any other mediums you dabble in?

I always work in oils but I like to build things too. I’ve recently been getting more interested in combining the two along the theme of ritualistic tools and doing a series of dioramas. I really like dioramas.

What inspires you when you make a new painting?

It’s usually different ‘medicines’ that help me through something I’m dealing with at the time. Things that keep me going. They can vary anywhere from dreams, authors, animals and plants to death and deja vue’s. Charles Bukowski is one who seems to keep popping up with no sign of stopping.

What is your goal with your work?

My desire is to bust open lies, sanction the holy forgotten, bring the balance between dark and light and to go perhaps beyond there. By combining universal symbols that go with the grain of instinct, I aim to bring an objective view of ourselves and our world. In sharing my personal journey with the viewer, I hope to spark their desire to honor the self. We must give birth to the highest choice. This is when we are truly awake and can live our lives to the fullest. This idea is my wish and driving force.

Do you have any formal training in art, or was it something you just picked up?

I studied painting at Parsons School of Design in NYC for a short while until my money ran out – then continued to explore on my own.
 
What’s your greatest achievement in your art career?

See question #3! It’s amazing to see people stand in front of my work for a long time. Sometimes someone is confused at what they’re looking at but something holds them there…they want to figure it out. Some react intensely. I’ve seen people cry and even angry! It’s a trip to watch the different reactions.

What’s more important in your art, color or subject matter and why?

Both are equally important. Color and images are specifically chosen to convey meaning of artwork. Everything is symbolic. One won’t work to it’s capacity without the other.
 
Do you do any custom work for people?

Yes, I am available for commissions.
 
Do you have work on display at any museums or shows?  If so please let us know where.

My latest work will be showing in METROPOLIS APOCALYPSE at Supreme Trading in Williamsburg, Brooklyn October 9th – October 30th 2008
(see flyer)
 
How can our readers find you or contact you if they want.

While my personal website is being revamped my work can be viewed at:

http://www.myspace.com/lorenmarks
and
http://www.myartspace.com