Meet Lori Demand | Acrylic and mixed media artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Demand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lori, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Giving back and taking care of our planet have always been important to me. I’m currently creating art for a special series called “Don’t Trash Me.” Each original painting in this series contains trash collected from the LSU Lakes that has been up-cycled in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of maintaining a clean habitat for the wildlife that live there. To date, I have removed 4-5 large garbage bags of bottles and other debris that I have cleaned and processed into art supplies.

Proceeds from my art sales also help fund monthly contributions to Kiva, a global microfinance company, and Hands Producing Hope, an ethical impact non-profit that provides education, training and work to refugees in the US and woman in Rwanda and Coasta Rica.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“Creativity is intelligence having fun” – Albert Einstein. When I read this quote for the first time it resonated with me deeply. His quote feels like home to me! I have a strong passion for science having been an engineer and an equally strong passion for creativity as an artist.

I am a self-taught artist, currently living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I have always had a creative spirit, but I didn’t start painting full time until the last 2-3 years. That’s when I literally woke up one day and decided to start an art business. The most important part of this decision was the commitment to go all in. Was it scary? Yes, it was terrifying at times, but I was determined to stay the course. When started my small business, I didn’t have an Instagram account, didn’t use FB, didn’t have website skills, and didn’t have a lot of experience. What I did have was a passion and a contract with myself to never give up. You will never succeed if you quit. It took almost 2 years of hard work before I could confidently say the words “I am an artist,” and yes, I still have occasional moments of imposter syndrome. Everyone does, so don’t use it as an excuse to quit, your future self with thank you.

My work can be characterized as impressionistic expressionism. I specialize in unique florals, but love to paint birds and abstracts occasionally to switch things up. Learning and experimenting is a continuous cycle for me in an effort to stay fresh and always bring my best work to you.

I have a zest for adventure and an unending thirst for knowledge, both of which serve me well as an artist and small business owner. The paintings I create are tremendously influenced by the emotional and spiritual energy I receive from immersive experiences in nature. Every painting I create is an attempt to deliver back to you, like a mirror’s reflection, the gift of abundant energy, forming a shared connective experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow, I could write an entire book on this, there’s so much to see and do. Here is a sample itinerary of some of my favorite sights, events and experiences in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.

DAY 1
Breakfast: Rue Beignet for authentic café au lait, beignets and a little shopping the local art that is hanging on their walls and available to purchase.

Next stop is downtown, we will spend an entire day here:

• State Capitol – We will walk the grounds and surrounding battery park to see some civil war history. Then take the elevator to the observation deck 450’ up to see an unforgettable view of the Mississippi River. Back in the lobby we will see where Governor Huey Long was assassinated and you can put your finger in the bullet holes in the wall.
• Lunch at the historic Poor Boy Lloyds for some down home Cajun, Creole and Southern favorites. Don’t miss the mural on the outside of the building.
• Stroll down to the LSU Museum of Art to take in the current exhibition and stop at the gift shoppe. It’s full of art created by local artists.
• The next must see is the Old State Capitol, it looks like a castle and is full of character and history.
• Across the street from the capital is Mississippi Riverbank where we can walk the levee.
• Happy hour at the Watermark. This is a must see historical boutique hotel, simply gorgeous.
• Dinner at Tsunamis overlooking the Mississippi River Bridge to watch the sunset and enjoy outstanding sushi.

DAY 2
Breakfast: The Ruby Slipper

Less than 5 minutes away is LSU:

• Take a walk around University Lake to see the bird sanctuary and other wildlife. Depending on the time of year you might see Roseate Spoonbills, Great White Pelicans, ducks, turtles, egrets and more.
• On the campus we can see Mike the Tiger, LSU’s mascot.
• If you’re a sports fan, grab tickets for a game
• Lunch at Torchy’s Tacos is a must
• Let’s head to Perkins Rowe for a little retail therapy. Sweet Baton Rouge is the must stop shop there. It is a female-owned business full of locally designed and printed LA themed t-shirts along with other Louisiana inspired gifts.

Some extras if we have the time:

1. Learn the art of making craft cocktails at The Tipsy Librarian – worth the $$$
2. Take a day trip to Avery Island
3. Stop by Counterspace BR for the best Chocolate Chip cookies ever
4. Attend a cooking class at Red Stick Spice
5. Shop antiques and local art at Circa 1857
6. Shop The Hope Shop – Fair trade, ethically made goods supporting a non-profit with a global impact

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Beth, Natalie, Julie, Lynda, Karen, Penny, Vanessa.

Without the support and encouragement of these fabulous friends I might have made the terrible choice to quit when:
people told me I couldn’t succeed, when a business partner did me dirty, when I didn’t get accepted, etc.

They were also there to help me set up tents, stage art, attend my shows, and just be the best cheerleaders anyone can have. I LOVE all of you!!!

Website: https://Www.itsaLori.com

Instagram: @itsalori2

Facebook: @itsalori2