We recently connected with Loretta Oberheim and have shared our conversation below.

Loretta, appreciate you joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

When I first began creating my art, I faced some misunderstandings about my style and process. Many people told me they didn’t grasp what I was doing and described my work as ‘weird’ because it was sculptural yet not traditional sculpture. This feedback was challenging, especially since I came from a background in textile and rug design, which influenced my approach to adding tactile elements to my pieces.

Initially, the abstract nature of my work, combined with the use of different mediums to create three-dimensional paintings, made it difficult for some viewers to connect with my vision. They expected something more conventional, and my departure from traditional forms led to confusion.

However, this experience taught me a lot about the importance of context in art. I realized that it was crucial to communicate my intentions more effectively. To address this, I started engaging more with my audience through artist talks and social media, sharing my creative process and the concepts behind my work. This not only helped clarify my vision but also invited others to appreciate the unique aspects of my art.

Ultimately, this journey reinforced my belief in staying true to my creative instincts. I learned that not everyone will understand or appreciate your work at first, but that’s okay. What matters is to keep evolving and finding ways to connect with those who resonate with your vision. It’s led to deeper conversations and connections with my audience, and I’ve embraced the ‘weirdness’ as a strength in my art.

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’ve always been creative, constantly drawing, painting, and causing a mess. My family often says there was never a time I wasn’t making art. For my sweet 16, my father gave me a choice: a party or summer classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). I chose the classes. By my senior year of high school, I was accepted into FIT’s Textile/Surface Design Program, and after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), I began my career as a carpet designer with a top floorcovering company, working with some of the most talented interior designers, in New York City. My work has since been featured in major global publications such as Vogue, Architectural Digest, and Interiors Magazine. However, after 18 years in the floorcovering industry, health challenges forced me to make the difficult decision to step away from my dream career.

Creativity remained my lifeline. Initially, I turned to art as a way to support my mental health and navigate the physical limitations imposed by my disabilities. Over time, art evolved into a therapeutic outlet that allowed me to explore and push the boundaries of the tactile qualities I’ve always loved in textiles. My background in textile and rug design deeply influences my creative process, leading me to experiment with various mediums and techniques.

Through this experimentation, I developed three-dimensional paintings that merge elements of sculpture and painting. My work is abstract in nature and invites viewers to engage with it on multiple sensory levels, challenging traditional definitions of art. The tactile elements in each piece encourage a deeper exploration of texture, color, and form, transforming spaces into immersive experiences.

What sets me apart is my commitment to blending fine art with the tactile experiences from my design background. While many artists focus solely on visual aesthetics, I strive to create works that not only look captivating but also evoke a physical and emotional response. I believe that art should be experienced in a personal and interactive way, and I encourage viewers to touch, interact, and connect with my work.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed my art evolve into something that speaks to my journey, reflecting themes of identity, texture, and transformation. I’ve been fortunate to showcase my work in various galleries and am always moved by the conversations sparked by my pieces—whether about the materials I use, the concepts behind them, or the emotions they evoke.

For potential clients and followers, my art is a celebration of creativity and experimentation. I’m passionate about pushing boundaries and inviting others to join me on this journey. My mission is to create works that not only enhance spaces but also inspire dialogue and reflection. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your home or seeking to elevate a public space, my goal is to provide art that aligns with your vision.

Ultimately, my aim is to foster a deeper connection between art and its audience, encouraging everyone to embrace the wonder and ‘weirdness’ of creative expression. I invite you to explore my work and discover the stories and emotions woven into each piece.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with others through my work. When someone engages with a piece I’ve created—whether they feel a sense of nostalgia, joy, or even introspection—it creates a profound connection that transcends words.

Art has this incredible power to evoke emotions and spark conversations, allowing me to share my journey and experiences in a way that resonates with others. It’s fulfilling to know that my work can provide comfort or inspiration, especially given my own experiences with mental health and physical limitations.

Additionally, the process of creating itself is deeply rewarding. It’s a form of self-expression and exploration that allows me to push my boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and discover new facets of my creativity. Each piece represents a moment of vulnerability and growth, and seeing that journey culminate in a tangible form is incredibly satisfying.

Ultimately, knowing that my art can impact others’ lives while also serving as a personal outlet makes being an artist one of the most fulfilling paths I could choose.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A significant moment in my artistic journey that illustrates my resilience stems from two major life challenges: my diagnosis with Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS) and a traumatic brain injury I sustained in a severe car accident in 2013. Both experiences have deeply shaped how I approach my art.

CAPS affects my joints, particularly in my hands, making it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, like holding a paintbrush for extended periods. Initially, this felt like a devastating setback. I feared that my physical limitations would force me to give up my passion. On top of that, my brain injury left me with permanent damage, making it hard for me to express my emotions verbally. Art became my primary outlet, allowing me to communicate in ways words couldn’t.

Instead of letting these challenges stop me, I chose to adapt. I began experimenting with alternative tools and techniques that accommodated my limitations, such as using cake piping bags, palette knives, and even my fingers to paint. These methods not only enabled me to continue creating but also pushed me to explore new textures and forms in my art. This journey of adaptation has made my work more tactile and reflective, allowing me to capture specific moments in time—moments of reflection that speak to both my physical and emotional experience.

Through this, I’ve learned to be more patient with myself. On difficult days, when my body or mind needs rest, I’ve learned to honor that. This slower, more deliberate process has deepened the emotional connection in my work, allowing me to communicate not just visually but viscerally, connecting with my audience on a more intimate level.

In the end, what I thought would limit me has expanded my creative vision. My journey is a testament to resilience—not just in overcoming physical and cognitive challenges, but in learning to thrive within them, embracing change as part of my artistic evolution.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lorettaoberheimart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/loretta_oberheim_art
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/lorettaoberheimart
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LorettaOberheimArt