We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Loretta Bozung. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Loretta below.
Loretta, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Mostly by trial and error I learned to be an artist. Then in my late 30’s I was awarded a full scholarship to earn my bachelors degree. That process, of intense critical discussion, building a large body of cohesive work, that truly groomed me for a full time life as a practicing artist.
Economics prevented me from attending college until I was well into adulthood. I went on to complete my masters at 40 and I think both my undergrad and grad studies were instrumental in giving me the real tools to develop my own vernacular.
Loretta, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was always a creative but told from a very early age, choose a linear profession. I skirted around being a full time visual artist by starting numerous successful design businesses, but I felt like a fraud because my real self; an artist. After years of a double life, a health issue forced me to stop working. The only activity I could do was bedside, and that when I began only making my art. It took me into my early 50’s to finally surrender to devote myself full time in my studio. The temptation to make more money is always there, to do consulting for an old client, but it takes me too long to readjust to concentrating again on my artwork after I’ve derailed my creativity to conform to a client’s needs.
I did have to recreate how I was able to physically work in my studio post cancer and I think that challenge has forced me to work with lighter, unlikely materials and in a way that combines all the different careers I’ve worked in. I guess necessity isn’t the mother of invention!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I recently observed an attendee at one of my openings gaze at my work. I could see them mulling over the work, walking around all sides, stepping back, leaning in, touching it. It’s was the most rewarding moment to see someone contemplate your work, to really see me as I’d like to be seen. I caught a clip se of them smiling as they walked away. It’s an amazing feeling to actually see someone enjoy your work.
It’s not necessary for me to know my work is well receive for me to keep making my work. The reward for me in in the process; the beginnings of the idea and then all the lengthy internal dialogues I have to usher me to completion. Every step is equally valuable to me. But the external world enjoying something I made, without my explanation, it’s being seen. I think we all can appreciate what that feels like.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
When I turned 50, I thought, on my gosh, 50 is so old! I was dying for an adventure. A few months later, I was diagnoses with cancer and found out I was dying without immediate treatment. Then I thought, 50 is so young! It’s a lesson in perspective for sure.
I had to distill my life down to the most basic of needs, aside from the obvious of air, water etc..
For me the top three were I needed beautify, the freedom to be creative and community. I have devoted my time to create every day those three elements and I’m constantly adjusting to ensure the life I’m living is sustainable for me.
My art practice became the forefront of each day for me. I had to pivot in the studio, to using lighter materials, which now is yarn and sticks. I do wake up in a cold sweat now again thinking there’s no way you can support yourself with yarn and sticks! Yet hear I am, doing just that. So by really being focuses on my three most important life elements, I found my way back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lorettabozung.com
- Instagram: @lorettabozung @fivewednesdayblue
- Facebook: Loretta Bozung
