Meet Lori Hill | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lori, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never really thought about doing art as a business. I began painting later in life and thought of it as a hobby. I took a few lessons and enjoyed creating. I am an artist working in oil on canvas. When the finished canvas pieces started to pile up I began to wonder what I was going to do with all this art! A few of my friends saw my work and thought it was pretty good, some even wanted to purchase it! I remember when I sold my first piece, I was ecstatic, I couldn’t believe someone wanted my art. I met other artists that were active in art festivals and shows. I decided to try my hand at showing my art in festivals. I was met with success at my first festival and that got me hooked. Through trial and error I have managed to show my art in galleries, festivals, stores and shows. It became a business all on its own, one step at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began painting in my 40’s. I bought some oil paint and thought “how hard can it be”. The answer to that was …really hard!! I put it away after a few attempts and thought I was done. But I met an artist admiring her work and asked if she could give me lessons. She agreed and we painted once a week for a number of years. I then moved and got involved in an artist community and thats when my work really took off. I started painting everyday, and each time I completed a painting I was hooked to do another. I am known for my love of animals and I love to paint African animals the most. I lived in Gabon West Africa for 5 years, where I saw the plight of Elephants and endangered species. I want to draw attention to these amazing creatures and the destruction of them and their habitat.
I am also know as the ostrich lady amongst my followers!! I painted an ostrich years ago and thought what a funny whimsical bird they are. I then decided to take that whimsy and develop an ostrich character of my own. They have brought many smiles to many of my clients and I take great joy from that.
My journey has not been easy, but it is really rewarding to look back at some of my art from years ago and where I am now. I am still surprised when I finish a piece and think “wow I created that”.
I have learnt that if you want your art to grown and become a professional you must work at it everyday. You must take every opportunity that comes along to show your work, and you must be bold in presenting yourself.
I am so very thankful for what I get to do, and thankful for all those who support my creative journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our time would be spent visiting art galleries and museums. Eating out and tasting great wine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success in my art journey has much to do with my husband who has supported me unconditionally. He has always said “YES” to anything I wanted to do or to try. He has hauled paintings, supplies, tents and tables etc. to anywhere I ask. He has worked at selling my art, and promoting me at everything I have done. He encourages me to spend time in my studio working. He cooks and grocery shops etc. all so I can devote my time to my art. I would never be this far in my career with out his support

Website: www.lori-hill.com

Instagram: reddoorart

Facebook: Red Door Home II or Red Door Art Studio

Image Credits
Lori Hill