How long have you been creating? There was positive reinforcement for my love of drawing from an early age, so I found a little power in that attention. It was what I did best.
Who influenced you the most to become an artist? My Finnish heritage for one, I think the Finnish Culture values art and design throughout. The encouragement I got from teachers, like my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. McCall. Teachers can have an immense impact on young folks. Obtaining my MA in Art Education with Dr. Margaret DiBlaseo was a big influence. Because of her and that degree, I became to appreciate art on a whole new level.
Our artist 'spotlight' is shining on Lenore Lampi this month! Lampi is a local ceramicist that calls the north shore home and finds inspiration through the beautiful scenery unique to that part of Minnesota. Scroll down to learn more!
What is your creative process? Excitement comes from the examination of things man-made and things in nature. Once I notice something, the subconscious mind works its alchemy. A fully formed art object will pop up in my mind, and that is when I may get that distracted dreamy look while I look it over in my mind. My childhood was spent wandering with my dog outside or fishing with my parents. Since my sibling was much older, I had a lot of alone time.
Whorls Trio and Lyricism Series (various sizes), ceramic
Why did you decide to become an artist? Well, a good amount of money went into my first degree, a BA in Art. There was no pressure to come out of that with a job, my parents said any education is never wasted. Looking back, I wish I had had a little more guidance in finding a way to make a living in art. However, I found my way back to art after having taught art for twenty plus years. During that time I learned a lot because my curriculum was based on history, aesthetics production, and criticism. While teaching, I was always making and exhibiting regionally and locally with sculptural work in clay, wood, wood dowels and Lexan for example.
Is there anything else we should know about you or your work? Upon making the move to art production and leaving teaching a little early, I realized I needed to find a sustainable income. What I saw was that functional ceramics fulfilled that goal. Pottery is accessible to a wide audience of consumers. Plus it was a big challenge for me at the time and I like a challenge. That work satisfied me for a few years and then the yearning to explore funky, humorous and sometimes quirky sculpture surfaced. Hence, now I really focus a third of my time on new ideas as well as tried and proven design objects.
“With new ideas, my unconscious mind does most of the work.”
~Lenore Lampi