The Show

Meet the Artists

Your Portraits

Find out why Lori Dell is not quite ready to talk about the new areas she plans to explore in her artwork.

SP: You have done a lot of editorial work and design in the past. Tell us about it.

LD: I have been painting ever since I can remember, professionally ever since I finished college. I went to OCAD, following the Banff Centre where I chose to pursue painting instead of jazz piano. During the years while raising my kids, I spent some time working in illustration, set and costume design for dance and theatre, film, and other related arts areas. With my love of music, dance, and collaborative ventures, I have always enjoyed those opportunities and experiences. For the past decade I have been able to solely concentrate on my painting.

SP: How were you able to work in so many facets of the arts?

LD: I don't know exactly, I guess you meet people and explore possibilities. For instance, my ex-partner was a dancer/ choreographer and I went into that field through our collaboration.

SP: When did you develop an interest for painting portraits?

LD: My creative style has always seemed like a braid, different strands that weave in and out, portraits being one of them. They each express a particular part of my expression. I am not even sure I would quite call the faces portraits. They are sort of a cross between a portrait and something that spans beyond just being a replica of that person's appearance. The essence, quality, and depth has always drawn me, in life and in art. SP: Do you do anything before painting a portrait to prepare?

LD: I take photographs for reference, very much like what was done on Star Portraits. In some cases I might spend more time with the person to get to know them, although that's not always possible. It's interesting though, it seems I get to know the sitter quite intimately while painting the portrait even without their physical presence.

SP: How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it before? LD: I have had other people describe it, whether it being portrait, abstract, or architectural works, as intuitive, emotional, courageous, strong, and skillful.

SP: In your work you choose fairly large canvases. Is there a reason why, and did using large canvasses start at a certain time?

LD: I have always wondered about that. I think it links into my interest of an enveloping experience, whatever the artistic form. When visual, musical, movement-based work is experiential rather than just an observation. For example, with set design you can literally move within the painting.

SP: How was your experience painting a large portrait of Jeanne Becker?

LD: I thought the whole process was a wonderful experience.

SP: Was it a challenge to finish the painting within two weeks? LD: Not so much since I tend to work quickly.

SP: Over the years, how has your work changed?

LD: Well, it has deepened and matured in cycles.

SP: Where do you see yourself and your art work in the future?

LD: Creatively, I will always keep exploring new avenues.  I'd like to be more involved within community and internationally-based work.  As well, I would like to partner with a manager or agent in business.

SP: Are there any areas you want to explore?

LD: Yes, some of them I'm not ready to talk about just yet, because they're so new. I am currently working on a series of paintings that are multi-layered, including poetry. Also, I'm planning on returning to a series of large faces in a kind of prayer/meditative vein. I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to mention to Jeanne about wishing to meet Jean Paul Gautier and Vivienne Westwood.  I'd love to paint their portraits, and/or participate in fashion and staging venues.

Artist Stats

A diverse and prolific artist, Lori Dell approaches creating with a daring and passionate eye. Her paintings are predominantly large-scale and abstracted with elements of realism; bold compositions rich with colour, tactile layers and gestural movement. Exhibiting for over 20 years, Lori has also garnered recognition from the film, theatre and dance industries for her work in set and costume design.

www.loridell.com