Kristin Thorsen
Fine Artist & Cover Artist of Decatur City Lifestyle's Premiere Issue
How would you describe your work?
I create my own little world that is sparked by pure imagination and my interest in the intricacies of architecture. I’m always experimenting with new ways to incorporate mixed media into my established style.
How do you begin a new piece? What does your process entail?
My process is completely unscripted, unleashed, and unplanned. That way, I can create whatever makes me happy at the moment. I work on 5-7 pieces at once. This allows me to edit and grow organically, take risks, and make mistakes.
What are the goals of your work?
The goals of my work are to continually challenge myself and empower my audience. I often hear that after a year or two with a piece, people keep finding new elements they didn’t see before. I put a lot of layers and little Easter eggs into my pieces. My most recent body of work has positive messages hidden in the work, which has received a great response as people discover the words in serendipitous moments.
See Kristin’s upcoming exhibition November 4th and 5th at Chastain Park and learn more at thorsenart.com
Lori Lejeune
Atlanta Mixed Media Artist
How would you describe your work?
My work is primarily mixed media and cross-disciplinary, where new media elements are combined with paint and fine art techniques.
How do you begin a new piece? What does your process entail?
My process is playful. I listen to a wide variety of music while creating, as it helps my creative process. Life is my inspiration. My new Flight Series is about overcoming adversity and was created by doodling with pixels on the computer, which were then transferred onto canvas or other materials.
What are the goals of your work?
During the pandemic, I dreamed and thought about alternate ways to bring artwork to people that could be experienced outside and would spark joy. My dream is to have my large-scale artwork permanently installed in public spaces. My murals and installations activate public spaces and community engagement is important to me. I feel like art isn’t doing its job unless people view it and interact with it.
See Lori’s “Spread Your Wings” traffic box installation at the corner of Tilly Mill Road and Womack in Dunwoody. Learn more at studiolejeune.com
Jay Wilson
Fine Artist and Graphic Designer
How would you describe your work?
My paintings are snapshots of the human experience, even though there are no humans in them. I don’t think there’s a better subject or element to describe the human experience better than animals. Each animal has its own vocabulary of triggers, responses, and reactions. The animals are in different compositions, often creating tension, which is a great way to tell a story.
How do you begin a new piece?
It’s not a conscious process. I take in observations from the world around me and then go to a place where I feel right on the horizon of being asleep and awake, and the ideas quickly emerge. The painting is there with about ninety percent of its composition and elements. Then, I’ll scribble a quick sketch as I receive what’s appearing subconsciously. I decide the size, draw it onto the wood structure, and the fun begins.
What does your process entail?
For commissions, I developed a “Five Word Process”, wherein a client tells me in five words or less everything they want the painting to be. Breaking the creative process into such simple elements works, and has created a very satisfying experience for me and the commissioners. It starts the conversation. Being able to gain insight into somebody’s life and story is a really cool part of the process.
Learn more at omnorling.com
“Being an artist is all about how you see the world.”
Jay Wilson
