We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lori Schappe-Youens . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lori below.

Lori , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’ve been working as a visual artists for over 35 years. It is a soul enriching, fun and gratifying way to earn a living; it’s also damned hard and unpredictable. I’ve had to accept monetary help along the way from family, friends and benefactors. A business man friend of mine told me something years ago, “Lori, never have all your eggs in one basket” That’s when I started making jewellery and teaching Abstract Painting out of my studio. Juggling all three practices, painting, teaching and creating jewellery is more than a full time job. It is unpredictable in terms of a regular income. I find that society loves the “idea” of being a creative. Most people think you have the best job in the world, they don’t, however see the sleepless nights over how to pay bills, getting in debt due to inadequate cash flow and the general financial stress that being an artist entails. I’ve done better than a lot, not as well as some. Continually working towards recognition and keeping up with social media is another job we, as creatives must fit in. There are many times I had wished I had chosen an easier career which pays me a salary and gives me benefits- but then I sell another painting and get into the rhythm of my work and I forget the angst. There is nothing else I’d rather do for a living, I just wish the flow was steadier financially. Do I regret being an artist? No. It’s a gift and one that I take seriously and give thanks for.

Lori , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a self employed fine art painter, jewellery maker and art teacher based in Umdloti Beach, Durban, South Africa. I originally come from Wisconsin, but relocated to S.A. over 30 years ago. I still show in some great Wisconsin galleries and travel back and forth to keep relationships of my dear family and home state going. I’ve been self supporting as an artist for many years, even through raising two kids (who are gorgeous young adults now) basically on my own. I’ve had the help from loving family and friends when times got really tough, as we know when growing children on our own and being an artist. My jewellery brand is called LOVELORI and I paint under my name, Lori Schappe-Youens. Umdloti Beach is right on the Indian Ocean just north of Umhlanga, and my studio is on the property we currently live in.

Shout out to the actual galleries which represent me in Wisconsin. www.abelcontemporary.com and www.cappaertcontemporary.com

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

whenever I tell people I’m an artist, they smile and get this dreamy look on their face and will often say, “wow that must be such a fun way to earn a living, you’re really lucky.” I vacillate between the two reactions of “If it were only that simple, you have no idea how tough it is to earn regular money and make ends meet as an artist.” and “It’s a fabulous way to earn a living and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

I feel, most countries don’t do enough to support their creatives. It’s very tough to earn enough to live on as an artist, much less, succeed financially. Most artists have two or even three jobs to keep them going and even with that it can be a struggle. More grants, subsidising and tax breaks would be a great place to start from the government side.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had been living in S.A. for over twenty years with the father of my two kids in Johannesburg. Life with him was an emotional roller coaster and close to the end of our relationship, he hit (what I thought was for him) rock bottom. I went from raising two kids; leisurely painting and showcasing my work in my studio and a few galleries, to teaching at least 6 students @ a time to help keep up with the bond and other expenses. I had to keep things light and calm and fun for my students (all adults) whilst my ex was either lying in bed depressed or out most nights drinking himself into oblivion. I was doing the superwoman thing. While I was raising two young kids; I was balancing a painting career, contributing to Al-anon (due to his excessive drinking) and teaching- all just to stay alive and to keep our home. It was a very hard time, but it also made me realise what I am capable of and that I indeed, have multiple income streams which I can count on. It made me a better artist and to develop my teaching skills. It showed my children how strong and capable their mom was, and that no matter what, we would always be safe and never give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.schappe-youens.com
• Instagram: Schappeartgirl; LOVELORI.CO.ZA
• Facebook: L. Schappe-Youens, artist; lovelori.co.za
• Linkedin: Lori Schappe-Youens