Meet Lorena Malm | Lorena Malm, Digital & Oil Paint Abstract Artist

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

Hi Lorena, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“A Time for Everything, Everything in its Time”. Creating Art since childhood, hiding it away in my Creative Cave, was discovered in 2018 by an individual insistent, with kind encouragement, that I share my Art with the world. His encouragement opened the doors to a beautiful world of connection through Art. And, when I reflect back to the changes, and events, in my life I realize the importance each has for my place in life today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am self-taught as an Artist, I believe there is no shame in that and it is the greatest accomplishment of my Creative Spirit. The lessons in this journey have been to never allow obstacles to distract, or discourage, from experiencing the adventures of the forward movement. Stay strong believing in yourself while lending a helping hand to others. In 1960…
I learned of my passion for Art. My parents gifted me an oil paint by number. I also learned, patience and frustration trying to stay within the lines. By the time I finished painting it, I knew…I was not meant to stay in the lines, and that I would create my own lines, someday!
In 1969…
For ten years, my Dad was my biggest supporter. When he passed in 1979…I felt lost. No longer holding the passion…I boxed up my Art.
In 2005…
I was introduced to Photoshop, teaching myself to use the software, I began to create digitally. My passion had returned, that is, until the computer crashed in 2010.
In 2012…
I was gifted oil paints, tools, brushes, an easel, and a huge roll of canvas. I taught myself to use these gifts, one mistake at a time.
And, in 2014…
I purchased an iPad Mini.
I discovered an Art App, and began creating digitally again. Exporting from the iPad to the computer, using GIMP, to complete the images. I do not use a stylus to create…only my index finger, maintaining a look unlike others.

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.

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.
There is so much to do here in Illinois making it hard to decide if only a week to get it in. This being Starved Rock Country a visit to the Buffalo Rock State Park would be a pleasant adventure in Nature where inspiration and refreshing of the soul takes place. A drive to downtown Ottawa, to visit La Salle, Madison, and Main Street Small Business Owners where unique and unusual items are sold and the atmosphere is welcomingly friendly. Into Peru, Illinois to the Westclox Building for a deliciously unique meal from Fire on Fifth where the Pizza is baked in brick ovens, entertainment family friendly, and the atmosphere energizing. Across the street to Thyme Craft Kitchen for Panda Cotta, and then back to the Westclox Building to Star Union Spirits for an after dinner cocktail crafted onsite, where reinvigorating the art of specialty craft spirits is their mission. A trip into Dixon, Illinois to visit The Next Picture Show Gallery located in a historic building that embraces the spirit, lifting it up, and leaving it full of enjoyment. A visit to the Fox River for walking trails and rock hounding. A picnic at Starved Rock State Park. Music on the Hill at the August Hill Winery. Take in the music venues where Local Musicians…Christina Marie Eltrevoog, Jaik Willis, Katie Belle and the Bell Rangers, Darrell Data, The Demolition Men, and the Steve Sharpe Band, play.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ron McCutchan, Librarian at Princeton, Illinois discovered my Art in 2018. His kind encouragement connecting me with like minded individuals exposed me to the 815 Artist Community, which is under administration of Amanda Weygand, Owner of Open Space Art Gallery & Studio in Ottawa, Illinois. I met, Jacqueline Hughes, Fabric Artist, through the 815 Artist Community’s involvement with “A Trashion Show” Exhibit where I stepped out of my comfort zone to be Jacqueline’s model for her dress made of recycled materials. My first Solo Exhibition was at Open Space Art Gallery & Studio, which brought confidence. Amanda Weygand’s generosity gave me courage to search other galleries in which my Art might bring attention. In 2019, I discovered The Next Picture Show Gallery, in Dixon, Illinois. The Art Director, Mike Glenn, was open and receptive to my request to enter the annual Exhibitions, which built my courage stronger. In 2020, I was invited by Chris Coughlin, Art Director of NCIArtworks Gallery to meet. When she retired, I met the new Director, Julia Messina. In September of 2022, I will be working with Julia in promoting Art through NCIArtworks.

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