Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Lorenz
Hi Paul, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story has been a journey. Like everyone, where we start is not necessarily where we end.
As a kid growing up in suburban Chicago, my interests were varied and creative: drawing, painting and piano lessons. Architecture always interested me, and that is what I choose to study at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Mies van der Rohe and the Bauhaus opened my eyes and mind to new possibilities.
I was introduced to oil painting in high school, so I knew that the desire to paint had to be part of my life. After getting my degree in architecture, I embarked on studying painting, in various locations, with some amazing artists. Having a studio to explore in was essential. My path in painting lead me to Italy, California, Kentucky, Arizona and ultimately, back to Chicago in late 2023.
While living in Kentucky, the opportunity arose to purchase an 1851 box grand piano by Steinway. My time in Kentucky allowed me to engage with many creatives, especially in sound and music. My curiosity led me to get my MFA in Music Composition at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. The doors opened to live performance, performance art, video and photography.
My 45 year journey/career/passion/experiment has brought highs and lows and the chance to know and work with amazing collaborators. Being back in Chicago has been wonderful. I look forward to what the next chapter in my creative life will be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The life of an artist is always full of ups and downs. I have had exhibitions of my paintings sell out on opening night, and have had exhibitions that have gotten no response.
The most challenging aspect is staying focused on clear ideas and following the voice in your gut and head. Living in a time of social media, where we are inundated with visual information constantly, it is difficult trying to keep our voice above the rest. It is so easy to be influenced by others. Our unique point of view and physical motions need to be celebrated. We have to keep our work and ideas strong. We have to allow ourselves to be our priority.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is my autobiography. My work is varied, but there are threads of logic that link ideas together. My attic is my painting studio, my cathedral, my cave. My office is in the basement, where my computer is, for editing photos, sound and video projects. Having that separation between is essential for me to stay focused and be present with my specific projects. Painting is messy, computer work us neat.
I feel I am known most for my paintings and drawings. I have been painting the longest. I have worked with some marvelous galleries and am very happy with that facet of my work. Paintings explore gesture and color making. My recent paintings are intimate in size, 24″ x 24″ being the largest.
Performance art and sound performance is the most recent area of exploration. While painting is a solo venture, sound is a group effort. I work with a great team of musicians and creatives to make performances happen. They are ethereal. They are created for a specific place for a specific time.
I am very happy with the sound performance, Visual Training, that myself and my ensemble, Perception Project, created on July 31, 2023. I was able to use my alma mater, IIT in Chicago. The modern masterpiece, S.R. Crown Hall was the structure encasing our 90 minute sound/endurance drawing performance. It was both nostalgic and invigorating to be back inside the building. I would love to create more sound experiences in other Mies van der Rohe spaces.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Connecting with like minded people is essential. Those who understand what you want to achieve are invaluable. Keep them close and throw ideas around freely. Make things happen, big or small.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brush.bio/paullorenz
- Instagram: @paul_w_lorenz
- Youtube: @paullorenz8692
Image Credits
All images by Paul Lorenz