Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Haas. She shared her story with us below:
Lori Haas is a multidisciplinary artist who interfaces mixed media art with comparative theology. She uses religious iconography, related spiritual imagery, elements from nature, and repurposed or recycled materials. Her aim is to create art that is both accessible and meaningful and that also allows for freedom of interpretation.
“When I began making the shrines, or “personal altars”, I found a way to incorporate my art training and my hobby of comparative theology. I had seen in various cultures the common thread of having a place in the home that is a spiritual focus, whether it is a crucifix, shrine, candles, photographs, etc. I try to incorporate elements from nature-crystals (earth and fire), shells (water and animal), wings and plants (air). The earliest quests for divinity looked to nature, the seasons, the elements, that from which we come, surrounds us while we live, and remains after we die.”
“I began working on the Nest Project shortly after my daughter left home in 2019 when I became an “empty nester.” When everyone came home during the lockdown of 2020, it took on an entirely different meaning. During that time, I had the opportunity to explore the project more deeply. I build the nests from materials I find in my garden, photograph them, then transfer onto a wood substrate. I finish by embellishing the images further using acrylic paints and mediums.”
Lori lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia. She obtained a BFA from the University of Georgia. Recent exhibitions in Atlanta have been at the Swan Coach House Gallery, The Terminus, Atlanta City Hall, Brickworks Gallery, 378 Gallery, Hudgens Center for Art, Hambidge Art Lab, and the Hambidge Art Auction. Other exhibitions around the United States include the Museum of Infinite Outcomes (Knoxville, TN), NEXT Gallery (Denver, CO), San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center (San Fernando, CA), and the Flagler County Art League Gallery (Palm Coast, FL). She has exhibited in international exhibitions in Italy and Canada, and her work was featured in the March, April, and May issues of “The World of Interiors” with Conde Nast in 2022 and again in February 2023. Current work is in the Swan Coach House Artist Market and at Après Diem European Café. A major body of her work have been private commissions, enabling a personal collaboration with the artist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I find that working as an artist is not the easiest road to follow. Our society tends to undervalue the creative process, focusing on the end result and the next big trend. The world runs at a fast TikTok pace and instant gratification Instagram. I find making art a contemplative, winding road filled with pauses, twists, turns, and backtracking…this requires solitary time and patience. It has been a struggle to find uninterrupted time to consider and create. Working at the speed of the rest of life often leaves me depleted. However, I kept what little spark I had going until time opened for me. Sometimes it would be a quick, flurried flash of inspiration and experimentation. As of late, I have been fortunate enough to keep a steady flame going. It’s definitely worth not giving up, worth the wait.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Of the choices given above, I was an employee/professional for a long time. I have had a myriad number of jobs that were completely unrelated to art but paid the rent. When I became a parent, I definitely became a new kind of artist/creative. I also had periods of personal loss. Making shrines helped in my grieving and healing. I’m not sure what sets me apart from others. The longer I work and live, the more people I find asking the same questions and wanting the same things I do. The concepts behind the shrines and the nests really connect with people. I hope I am able to find a way to bring people together in a healing, strengthening way. Connected, not apart. That would make me proud. I feel I would be using the opportunity of being an artist in the best way.
What makes you happy?
Long hours of piddling about. I think laterally, not linearly.
Contact Info:
- Website: lorihaasart.com
- Instagram: @lorihaasart
- Facebook: Lori Haas Art
