Meet Lori Horowitz | Artist/curator

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

Hi Lori, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
There are many facets to a full life and career with different paths that converge and divide. Throughout this journey, I have worked as an arts educator, scenic designer for theatre and television, producer, exhibit designer and fabricator and as a curator and gallerist. Each has brought new perspectives and informed the development of my artwork and career while deeply connecting me back to my sculptural work.
My earlier years, although filled with exploration were a bit more structured than my current life. Working a set schedule in a commercial art setting governed by travel, onsite location work with a group or crew was often the norm. Down time was spent with exercise and entertainment, leaving little time for me to create my own art work. My personal art exploration was relegated to late nights, weekends and holidays. As executive director of a not-for-profit gallery, the bulk of my time was spent representing, teaching and helping other artists. As time progressed, I made the decision to put my own creative career as an artist/sculptor first. There still needs to be a balance to accomplish this with a third of the time spent creating artwork, generally 4-6 hours per day. Promoting, marketing, applying for shows and hours of writing make-up my morning routine. Three to four hours are spent at the computer each day. The remainder of the time is spent with designing and curating solo and group exhibits as well as work duties as an executive board member of two non-for -profit arts organizations. Thankfully, I am seldom bored and always find time for family and friends and enjoying a full life.

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 am an inventor of sorts and have learned many skills through the different facets of my commercial career, I have spent years gleaning techniques and the understanding of materials from model makers to scenic artists. Large and small, works created through welding metal and sculpting in wax and wood. Painting with oil and encaustic wax and drawing with fire and drafting architectural plans for construction are some of my favorite mediums. Teaching and mentoring has given me fresh perspectives to explore. These experiences have left me with a vast arsenal of techniques to chose from in my work. My current mixed-media series layers a complexity of elements with use of lighting, photography, metal sculpture, encaustic wax and color.
Through all of this exploration I am excited to have created a new method of sculpting photos three dimensionally to create large light weight sculptures. This has opened a new chapter in my work and I continue to evolve through each piece. I never fit into a perfect mold of settling on one particular type of work. I think branding through repetition is boring and limiting and I have prided myself in the change and diversity of my work.
Concept is as important as the materials I create with. I am not satisfied to simply create something visually appealing. My artwork communicates a message, often reflecting the social landscape and brings focus to contentious issues. The challenge is to create conceptually vibrant art that is technically well crafted and evokes emotion and response.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you are suggesting a visit to Phoenix, I have only visited the city once and am not an expert. I am a hiker, traveler and photographer and love to see the beautiful sights of nature. While in Phoenix, I rented a car and drove to the nearby canyons and desert areas visiting amazing natural parks and sites.

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?
I have been very fortunate to spend my formative years as an artist seeing the artworld first hand attending gallery and museum openings. My husband was raised by a prominent artist and he understood the challenges and dedication that it took to succeed in the artworld. I grew up in the shadows from the age of 18 and learned that it took hard work and determination to be taken seriously in this very difficult field. I have an incredibly supportive family that have seen me through so many challenges throughout the years. They have been there for me with encouragement to follow my my vision and keep creating. My children are artists too and help me with installations, ideas, critique my work and are my harshest critics.
We are a small closely knit family that are incredibly supportive of each other and never settle for good enough. They share my passion and dedication, never questioning my chosen path with kindness and understanding.

Website: https://www.lorihorowitz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori_horowitz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-horowitz-29056712/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.horowitz.33/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnlbzNG217eo77pQe3E9oQQ

Image Credits
Lori Horowitz