Raised in the picturesque town of New Paltz, NY, Lori’s artistic path has been shaped by a rich tapestry of influences, dedication, and an unwavering passion for creativity. Her journey began with a flair for aesthetics, leading her to earn a cosmetology license from the Vidal Sassoon school in Rockland County at Capri School of Hair Design. With a natural talent for hairstyling, she not only became a licensed professional but also took on the role of co-owner at Concept 1 Hair Salon—a family business established by her mother in 1969, where artistry and craftsmanship have been a legacy for generations.
In the early 1990s, fate introduced Lori to Pat Sinatra, a masterful artist and renowned tattooist who would become both mentor and lifelong friend. Under Pat’s guidance, Lori honed her skills, delving into the sacred art of tattooing and expanding her creative expression across multiple artistic disciplines. Their collaboration spanned nearly three decades, a partnership filled with artistic discovery and innovation. When Pat retired, she encouraged Lori to forge her own path, inspiring the birth of Magickal Marks—Lori’s very own creative sanctuary in New Paltz.
Lori’s artistic lineage runs deep, rooted in the brilliance of her ancestors. As a child, she was captivated by the work of her grandfather, a master oil painter and art restorer whose keen eye for detail even aided the FBI in identifying forgeries. Her father, an Estonian immigrant who arrived in America during World War II, was also an artist, further immersing Lori in a world of creativity from an early age. Though she cherishes the countless hours spent observing her grandfather’s meticulous brushstrokes, she now wishes she had asked more questions—an enduring reminder of how profound those early artistic experiences were.
The artistic influence extended beyond her immediate family. Lori’s uncle, an accomplished artist and art teacher on Long Island, provided encouragement and support that fueled her creative ambitions. His insights helped shape her evolving perspective, nurturing the foundation of her artistic voice.
The early 2000s marked another transformative period in Lori’s journey when she was introduced to master oil painter Andrew Lattimore by Donna Napolitano. Donna was an important and encouraging influence. Under Andrew's tutelage, Lori deepened her understanding of color, composition, and technique. It was during this time that she also formed a lasting friendship with fellow artist Roseanne Cerbro, with whom she continues to share artistic discoveries. Lori’s engagement with the Barrett Art Center, where she served on the Board for two years alongside Ellen O’Shea, further expanded her appreciation for art history, particularly the luminous world of the Impressionists.
Today, Lori remains an active student of her craft, constantly refining her skills at the Woodstock School of Art, where she is on an ongoing quest to develop her unique artistic voice. She immerses herself in painting nature in all its forms—animals, trees, landscapes, and human figures—drawing inspiration from masters like Delacroix, Goya, Levitan, Fechin, Sargent, Rubens, Caravaggio, and da Vinci.
With a persistent dedication to oil painting, Lori is now venturing into abstraction, embracing the challenge of new artistic frontiers. Through her work, she seeks to evoke emotion, wonder, and introspection, inviting viewers to experience the world through her eyes.
Follow Lori’s artistic journey and explore her work here —a testament to her passion, perseverance, and boundless creativity.
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