From the Desert to the Canvas: The Ever-Evolving Art of Lori Wakefield

Lori Wakefield is a lifelong artist whose creative journey began in early childhood with the encouragement of her mother. Deeply influenced by pop art, German Expressionism, and the natural world of her desert upbringing, Wakefield's work is marked by emotional intensity, bold composition, and a deep connection to personal transformation. In this interview, she shares insights into her artistic process, the significance of birds in her work, and her evolving relationship with materials—from oil paint to digital media.

Lori, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I became interested in art my mother had me drawing and using a paint brush as long as I can remember. At age 5 I saw a pop art show and knew then what is wanted to do with my life. I took art classes all throughout grade school and high school, taking a private classical sculpture class outside of high school for a couple of years I went to CalARTS, CCA, and many years of city college taking every kind of art, graphic art class they offered. 

Do you feel connected to any particular art movement? How would you define the style of your paintings?

I loved German expressionism as well as modern art. 

'SOOTHSAYER'

In your opinion, what’s the secret to mastering oil paint, and what are the challenges of working with it?

Mastering oil painting is learning how to mix colors tints, tones and shades and the patience to let colors dry or I ended up with mud.

Some of your paintings feature unusual compositions. Do you do a lot of sketching and planning beforehand, or are you more of an intuitive, go-with-the-flow artist?

I have drawn for years let anything from my mind go to my pencil some of my work comes from drawings a lot go from my mind straight to the canvas working it out as I go. 

'WOW'

You frequently paint animal figures—especially birds. What draws you to birds in particular?

I grew up in the desert and loved the wildlife there we lived 2 thousand miles away from anything except nature. Vultures where the cleaners of the environment.

'THE CLEAN UP CREW'

Are spiritual concepts a part of your art? What aspect of yourself do these works reflect?

The work reflects my experiences through life, from degradation to the light as I change my art changes with me. 

Could you tell us a bit about your color palette? Are there specific colors you’re drawn to?

I first I loved contrasting muted colors nearly all my colors are mixed not straight out of the tube because my most favorite part of painting is mixing colors. 

'PEACE NOW'

Do you enjoy working with collage as an artistic medium?

I have worked with collage, photography, lettering, etc: I used collage when I did not have a studio, sometime I would like to collaborate with artists in film and music. 

Do you have a connection with digital art, and what are your thoughts on the new generation of digital works?

I really like digital art as a medium photoshop and illustrator at first I was against AI but I have seen some great work (videos) it takes an artist mind with patience, practice, trial and error all the things all great art requires. 

What advice would you give to a new artist who wants to grow? Were there any master artists you looked up to?

I look up to all great and dedicated artists. What I would advise new young artists be inspired by other artists but know your own voice don’t copy, don’t be afraid to be bad or you can never get better and I have done some kind of artwork my whole life almost everyday. 

Do you have any upcoming projects or decisions you’d like to pursue in your life or art in the near future?

I have finished the series SHAME OF NATIONS and nearly done with WAVE OF THE FUTURE I would like to be able to show my work and collaborate with other artists. 

If you had to describe your art in one sentence, what would you say?

A humble and dedicated artist wanting change. 

'SOULED OUT'

Lori Wakefield’s dedication to her craft and her fearless approach to artistic growth serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of art. Her work, rooted in personal experience and emotional depth, continues to evolve as she explores new mediums and collaborations. We thank Lori for sharing her journey, insights, and passion with us it’s been a true pleasure to glimpse the world through her eyes.