Meet Lori Dresner | Artist & Philanthropist

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

Hi Lori, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success is loving what you do and doing what you love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always wanted to be an artist but after art school, I went to work in advertising as a producer. I moved to Paris and produced international TV and print ads for many years. I travelled all over the world, working with many talented people and I really enjoyed my work. Being a producer requires a creative mind, and my art education helped in that realm. Producing is also about the numbers and budgets, and I was good at that. Even though there was no doubt in my mind that I had chosen a fun, interesting, and challenging career, there was always something missing for me. That missing piece was the “act” of creating and making. When I came back to ceramics, I tried all kinds of techniques and styles. I tried serious, abstract, functional, and sculptural. In the end, at least for now, I have found a little niche where I have fun, drawing on large vessels and creating. The use of color is vital to the process.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Denver has become a very cosmopolitan city. Lots of restaurants, art areas, music scenes —all a bit neglected now because of COVID-19. We would begin downtown at the train station and take in an early breakfast at Snooze to avoid the line. Then we would walk around the downtown area and check out the architecture. It has all changed in the 10 or so years I’ve been in Denver and is a mishmash of old and new. Checking out art would be next on the agenda, so we would head over to the Santa Fe Arts District, and have lunch at my favorite Mexican place, El Taco de Mexico at 6th and Santa Fe, and then stroll popping into various galleries including Rule, and D’art. Next we would walk over to the Golden Triangle and visit Walker Fine Art and Robischon Gallery. Of course, not forgotten is the Denver Art Museum. Once we are done with art, it would be time for some shopping in Cherry Creek North. A great place to walk around with lots of boutiques and, of course, the Cherry Creek Mall across 1st Avenue. Not my thing but it’s a nice mall. Drinks and dinner on the patio at Le Bilboquet would be the nice ending to the day. Or if there’s a good concert happening at the Mission ballroom, we would skip Bilboquet and have dinner from a food truck stationed outside, and then go dance our butts off. That is one busy day, so we would then get ready for the rest of the week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this to my cousin, Carole Berhorst, who is like a sister to me. When I went on my career path and left the art world behind, I gave her my wheel and kiln. She became the successful potter she is today. On the turn-around, so many years later, she has supported my return to art and encouraged my creativity. If not for her continued support, I wouldn’t be doing what I do today. I also want to dedicate this article to my husband, Pete, who motivates me every day.

Website: www.ldceramix.com
Instagram: ldceramix AND ld.ceramix
Linkedin: lori dresner
Facebook: lori dresner & ldceramix
Other: I have one solo show per year at D’art Gallery in Denver, Co. and have also shown in several other galleries in the Western U.S. including Niza Knoll Gallery, Denver, Co, Blue Line Arts, Roseville, Ca, and The Myers Gallery, Santa Ana, Ca.

I sell pottery and sculptures at two stores located in Aspen, Co. – “The Aspen Emporium and Flying Circus” and “Res Ipsa”.