Lori Morris is an acrylic landscape painter of vibrant coastal scenes. Her creativity is greatly inspired by visiting real places on the Sunshine Coast and then painting them.

“Being outdoors is so life giving for me and then recreating the scenes on canvas is amazingly therapeutic as well. I sincerely hope that refreshment and enjoyment of nature come through to anyone who comes across my work”

Lori and I have known each other for a few years now, as we were neighbours living off of Stalashen Drive near Mission Point on the Sunshine Coast. I like to think we became fast friends :) and it felt good having a fellow artist near who could meet up for a beach walk or share her newest pieces.

As you can see Lori has been busy building a beautiful studio that will better allow her to share her work with all who would like to see it.

I really enjoyed reconnecting with her for this ‘Artist Spotlight’ and seeing what she has been up to. I encourage you to stop by and see her space and heartfelt works… you won’t be disappointed.

questions

1) Spiritualism plays an important piece in your work, can you explain?

Actually, I’m not sure I would be a painter without my faith. I almost overlooked my childhood passion for art until God called me back to it later in life. That was when I realized that I I feel his presence and hear his still small voice most clearly while alone, surrounded by beauty in nature. When I first started connecting with Him there, He began reminding me of my hearts desire to be an artist. Now while I am out searching for real inspirational places (and even while I paint), I often feel His enjoyment, pleasure and connection.

2) What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?

That doing things like getting out in nature, connecting to local people and local businesses is so valuable, inspiring and life giving. In a time where there is so much entertainment, social media and even business opportunities offered online, it’s tempting to spend the majority of my time on those things. But the real joy and fulfillment comes when visiting real places, and connecting in person.

3) What are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life and why?

‘Captivating’ by John & Staci Eldredge. It opened my eyes to why I want my life (and art) to matter and where my true value comes from.

‘Adorning The Darkness’ by Andrew Peterson, a very creative man who is a song writer, singer and musician. He has great thoughts about why we create and he has helped me make sense of it too.

‘Beautiful Outlaw’ by John Eldredge. I resonate with John’s thoughts about the surprising, deep and joyful personality of Jesus. There are also many hints about why beauty in nature is a thing and what it could mean.

4)What underrated tool(s) are indispensable for your creative process?

My awesome paint squeezer that looks like a small torture device, but saves so much paint.

Hand sanitizer! It makes a great brush cleaner for hardened acrylic paint on art brushes.

5)Who has been your most important professional mentor and what made them special?

Marleen Vermeulen has been very approachable and kind when I’ve reached out to her. She has taken the time to show me her studio and tell me her story as well as provide incite about creating a specific body of work.

Ed Hill has been forthcoming with validation from early on in my journey as an artist on the Sunshine Coast. Every time I try a new way to connect people with my art, Ed is there to encourage and tell me to keep it up.

Vivienne Lyons is a very helpful friend and like-minded artist who always has deep thoughts that spur me on. I really appreciate the time she takes to talk art and life with me.

Lori Morris