We recently connected with Loren Dann and have shared our conversation below.
Loren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Currently on exhibit at Rowan College of South Jersey is my “Portraits” series. This ongoing project, which began in Detroit in 2018, features paintings born from months-long research into each subject’s life and work. My initial inspiration was Little Miss Flint’s powerful performance of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?”, at the Women’s Convention, Detroit, Michigan. This led me to delve deeply into Truth’s life as an activist and mother who secured her children’s freedom from slavery. From that point forward, I immersed myself in the lives of individuals I admired, transforming my research into painted portraits. The series now includes Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Dr. Martin Luther King, whose portrait was supported by the MLK of New Jersey Commission. In 2022, my research expanded through a collaboration with historical re-enactor Dr. Daisy Nelson Century. This collaboration led me to research and paint eight of her characters: Hatshepsut, Harriet Tubman, Mary Fields, Madame C.J. Walker, Bessie Coleman, Cathay Williams, Phillis Wheatley, and Sojourner Truth. Each painting reflects an extensive study of its subject through biographies, films, interviews, and other media, fostering a profound connection to their stories.
Show write up, Portraits
Portraits present a compelling exploration of identity and representation through a series of paintings illuminating the lives of historical Black women and notable contemporary figures, each linked to the narratives in periodicals related to their contributions. With over fifteen years of artistic practice, the artist invites viewers to engage with eight meticulously crafted portraits inspired by a historical re-enactor who embodies these women, bridging the gap between past and present. This exhibition not only contextualizes the subjects within their historical frameworks but also examines the dynamics of celebrity culture and the significance of representation in media, urging a critical dialogue on the enduring impact of these figures in both their time and contemporary society. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the show challenges viewers to reconsider the narratives we construct around iconic women and the roles they play in shaping cultural discourse.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a working artist and teacher, my practice is deeply rooted in daily painting, where I grapple with both political and emotional concerns. It’s been a journey since I began in 2011, starting with home murals and commissions. Over time, my work evolved, becoming more focused on the issues that truly resonate with me – the stories of marginalized families and feminist perspectives.
I think every artist understands the tightrope walk of creating work that’s both compelling and, let’s be honest, sellable. It’s a constant balancing act: how do you stay true to your artistic vision while also connecting with an audience? I navigate this by consciously dividing my time and subject matter. After pouring myself into a more intense series, like my recent ‘ROT’ collection exploring epigenetics and trauma, I’ll often switch gears with a “palette cleanser” – think giant, vibrant flower paintings or beloved pet portraits. These pieces resonate with my audience, provide a welcome creative breather, and ultimately help me to sustain the more challenging, less commercially driven projects.
My process is all about building a dialogue on the canvas. I love layering texture and ideas, letting the work evolve organically. Often, the final piece bears little resemblance to my initial concept, which is exciting. I enjoy using the clean, bright expanse of a painted background as a means of drawing the viewer in.
I’m also deeply connected to teaching art. I create programs for non-profit organizations, like libraries, and I’m fortunate to secure grant funding to provide free art workshops to local communities. The focus of these programs is often modern, marginalized artists who are leading exciting changes and innovations in the art world. We’ll study artists like Banksy, then create our own works in their style. One of the most rewarding moments is when the anti-graffiti students get to let loose with spray paint. It’s amazing how much joy everyone, even the most conservative, finds in tagging the premises! “
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My daily practice is the cornerstone of my artistic journey. I firmly believe that art is accessible to anyone who feels the desire to create. In my youth, I perceived the title “Artist” as being guarded by those with established experience, exceptional talent, and a skill level seemingly beyond my reach. However, as I dedicated myself to my craft, I realized that the label of “Artist” isn’t a privilege, but a right. The ability to express oneself creatively is, in itself, the qualification.
This conviction fuels my belief that art belongs to everyone. One of my greatest joys is discussing with my students the vital role of murals and public art. Unlike the art confined within museum walls, which inherently controls access, murals and outdoor installations offer a different experience. This art exists outside, freely available, and genuinely reflects the spirit and character of the community it inhabits; art for all, by all.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
As a working artist creating art programming, and murals throughout my community, I felt unsupported when it came to grant funding. So in 2019, I started the South Jersey artist Collective. South Jersey Artist Collective’s goal is to support and promote the art and artists of south Jersey through events, projects, and exhibitions.The South Jersey Artist Collective (SJAC) is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2019, amid the pandemic, by two artists seeking to address the marginalization of southern New Jersey in the state’s artistic landscape. Recognizing the inequitable distribution of funding that favored northern New Jersey artists, as well as the diversion of resources to Philadelphia, SJAC aims to build connections among southern New Jersey’s local artists and their communities.
Equity in funding and support for artists in southern New Jersey. Creating programming for the arts in our communities. We are in the artistic community and have witnessed the disparity between representation in the state. We create well attended free programming that provides cultural enrichment for the community while helping artists financially. Many opportunities for grants are available to non-profit organizations rather than independent artists. It takes experience and time to create relationships within each community, and to understand what is needed and wanted. South Jersey Artist Collective works on grant writing that help the artist create and fund their work. We work with the artist on exhibiting opportunities as well as business planning and creation. We believe that if we could obtain a space for artists to create, network, show and teach, we can help positively enrich our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lorendann.com
- Instagram: lorendann
- Facebook: lorendann
- Other: sjartistcollective.com
insta sjartistcollective
FB South Jersey Artist Collective
