Meet Lorena Malm | Abstract Digital & Oil Paint Artist

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

Hi Lorena, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I’m a dreamer…I don’t flatter people into doing what I want them to do…I am full of high expectations and the experience of great disappointments…always filled with hope that someday the disappointments will not be so great, and be fewer and farther apart…forever holding onto the possibilities of feeling the sensations of true love again because I am a dreamer. I am thankful for being a dreamer. Being a Dreamer is part of the Creative Spirt that lives in my Soul, and a habit of creating will be a standout part of my life as long as I am alive.

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.
It is my desire to bring beauty to the world through Art. The images I create come from life experiences, memories, emotions, and sometimes from my dreams. I embed my emotions into the Art, with intention to present connection to the viewer, that they too will feel emotion and connected to an otherwise Abstract tangible.

To represent myself honestly, through my Art, I must maintain my integrity by allowing my Creative Spirit to remain in the lead. She has not failed in presenting my emotions, my core principles, and producing meaningful work expressing importance of concerning issues, whether it is environmental or involving relationships, or life experiences by sounding out relatable connections to the viewers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best part of living in Central Illinois, for me, is the expanse of Art & Music found among the landscapes, gushing rivers, fascinating architecture, and in the areas for hiking, kayaking, and connecting with Nature. Some of the most beautiful places in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, the Shawnee National Forest, and the Garden of the Gods. Art Galleries, Wineries, Eateries, and Music Venues in the area include…NCI ARTworks Gallery located in the historic Westclox Building, Open Space Art Gallery & Studios in Ottawa, The Next Picture Show Gallery in Dixon, The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques, and Americana in Oregon, Illinois, The Prairie Art Center of Princeton, and The Stola Contemporary Art Gallery in Chicago…August Hill Winery near Spring Valley, The Old Mill Winery in Metamora, and Star Union Spirits in the historic Westclox building…Fire on Fifth Pizza, Thyme Kraft Kitchen, Alfano’s Pizzeria, Stone Jug BBQ…Jaik Willis, One Man Band, Christina Marie Eltrevoog, Katie Belle & The Bell Rangers, Patrick Butler, Darrell Data, Steve Sharp Band, Strangers, 3 Day Weekend, Abbynormal, Leslie Nicole Trio, Lizzy Neal Band, The Morning Larks, She’s A Maybe, Liam Tipple.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have been involved in the successes of my Art Journey, far too many to name each one. It began with Ron McCutchan as he delivered me to the world of Art in the 815 Artist Community of Illinois. Amanda Weygand Zehr, Owner of Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, in Ottawa, Illinois offered my first Solo Exhibit. Followed by the support of Artists, Musicians, and Small Business Owners in the 815 Area. Jacqueline Hughes, Owner of Jacqueline JoAnn, and Fabric Artist for her support and friendship. Chris Coughlin, previous Executive Director of NCI ARTworks Gallery, Sue Gillio, Owner of Music Suite 408, and Julia Messina, current Executive Director of NCI ARTworks Gallery in Peru, Illinois were instrumental in promoting and supporting me during the emerging of my Art and continue to do so today. Lorraine Gilmour, Poetess from New Zealand, for her beautiful Poems written for my Art.

Website: https://lmalm-arts.square.site

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorena.malm