I am an artist: Lori Yellen-Lilley

1. Why are you an artist?
I’ve actually only started doing my windows less than a year ago. I found myself unemployed and needed a hobby. Who knew I could be artistic!

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.
I was inspired by another artist here in Boise, Heather and Ty Whitt. Their work is so fabulous! I wanted to see if I could work in the same medium. Although I was inspired by their work, mine has a very different look and style because I only use scrap and broken glass, I do not cut any of the glass I use.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
I like working with scrap glass and old windows because it is all recycled material.

4. Please describe your art making process.
Starts with looking for the right windows. I look on craigslist, antique stores, used building material resellers, etc. As I said earlier, I use scrap and broken glass, so these are glass on glass mosaics. I put the glass down with caulk then grout.

5. Is there a message, feeling, tone, etc. that you would like your viewer to hear, feel, etc when they view your work? If yes, please elaborate.
My art makes me happy when I look at it, I just want to make others happy as well.

6. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Idaho?
I think that the role of an artist in any community is to support local efforts as well as global efforts. As for me, I periodically donate my pieces for charity actions and demonstrate my art to children’s’ groups whenever asked.

7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
I was a social worker for many years and now teach psychology at our new community college, College of Western Idaho. I never expected that I would discover any artistic talent, so it just thrills me that anyone likes my stuff! I currently have a website and do custom pieces and also sell my wares at the Boise Co-op. I have no idea what the future holds for me and my art….it would be nice to have a bigger studio I guess. I need to move the guest bed somewhere!

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
My goals are to keep plugging along and hopefully find a larger venue for my art. I’m from Santa Cruz, Ca. and think that a road trip back home and along the central coast might prove profitable.

9. What does art mean to you?
My art transports me. It’s my meditative practice, my solace, my savior.