We recently connected with Lorena Lepori and have shared our conversation below.

Lorena, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, would I start my creative career sooner or later? That’s a tricky one. I’ve always been creative. In my early 20s, I worked full time for cartoon studios, creating animation and comics. It wasn’t just a passion- it was my job. But as much as I loved it, it didn’t pay enough to make a living. So life took me on a different path, and I spent 16 years in the theatre world—not painting, but still immersed in storytelling, in the art of transformation. It wasn’t until later that I returned to my first love: painting.

Would I have wanted to start sooner? Absolutely. Earlier opportunities would have meant more time to refine my technique, establish myself, and grow as an artist. But beyond that, painting—especially large-scale work—requires physical strength and endurance. I love painting big, and to do that, you need agility, balance, and the ability to stand for hours, sometimes in awkward positions. There’s a physicality to the process that I feel more aware of now. If I had started younger, I could have built more stamina for the kind of work I love to create. Although large-scale painting had my preference, I’ve since shifted my focus to medium-size pieces that feel more intimate, where still every detail carries weight.

Would starting later have helped? Probably not. If anything, I already feel like I had to reclaim time, to make up for lost years. But I also believe that art finds you when you’re ready. I started when I was meant to, with the experiences that fuel my work now.

So, do I wish I had started sooner? Yes, for the opportunities, for the strength, for the extra years of growth. But do I regret my path? Not at all. Because everything I’ve done—cartooning, theatre, life itself—has shaped the artist I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an artist who loves to tell stories through bold, vibrant imagery. My work plays with history, identity, and perception, often with a touch of irony or humor. I don’t just create portraits, I reinvent characters, twist familiar narratives, and bring unexpected elements into the mix.

One of my most exciting series involves drag queens, where I play with clichés and challenge societal norms, (think of a Barbie doll breaking free from its box!). This exploration of identity and transformation is a key aspect of my artistic language, which is also deeply influenced by pop culture . Whether it’s my Alter Egos series, where characters embrace different identities, or my Seven Deadly Sins collection, where human nature is under the spotlight, my work is about more than aesthetics, it’s about storytelling.

What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my approach to reimagining reality. I love to play with contrasts, mixing elegance with absurdity, history with modernity, and the ordinary with the surreal. My paintings invite the viewer to step into a world that is familiar yet slightly offbeat, where details reveal more than what they seem at first glance. I take pride in the freedom I’ve built for myself as an artist. Every painting is an exploration, a dialogue, a game of “what if.” My work keeps evolving, and that’s exactly how I like it.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe society can better support artists by changing how we approach art. There is often hesitation stemming from the feeling that we need to understand it fully before we can enjoy it. While music tends to seep into our soul without demanding anything from us, visual art can feel different.

Some people think that in order to appreciate a painting, they need to decode its meaning or prove their understanding. This mindset can prevent them from experiencing the emotion that art evokes. I aim to invite viewers to connect with my paintings on a personal level, without the pressure of analysis.

We needs to embrace the idea that art is for everyone, regardless of background or knowledge. Moreover, art can evoke memories and personal interpretations. Just as readers might find meaning in a book or viewers in a movie, people can project their memories onto a painting, creating unique connections. Even if my intention as a creator differs from what others perceive, it doesn’t matter. When I paint, I may have one thought in mind, but the beauty lies in how viewers interpret it in their own way.

By fostering a mindset that embraces personal engagement, we can create a more inclusive environment that uplifts artists and encourages creative expression.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As a self-taught painter, I spent several years working in isolation. Fortunately, growing up in the Internet era allowed me to recognize the importance of connecting with the artistic community. Joining groups where I could engage with fellow artists has been one of the most valuable resources in my journey.

Being part of a community of like-minded individuals striving for recognition and facing similar challenges has been invaluable. These connections foster a domino effect, enabling us to share insights about opportunities in the art world, such as contests and exhibitions, while also encouraging one another through tough times.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to avoid isolating myself in the studio. It’s essential to stay engaged with others and share experiences. By doing so, we can all grow and thrive in our creative pursuits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauollas.com
• Instagram: @lorena_lepori
• Facebook: Lorena Lepori
• Youtube: Lorena Lepori
• Other: https://www.artsy.net/artist/lorena-lepori