Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Arbel.
Lori, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been an artist, explorer, and have had a passionate concern for humans and our earth. Since childhood, I’ve been creating art for pleasure and documenting my surroundings. You could find me drawing objects in my room, making arts and crafts, working on puzzles, recycling before it was common, walking around flea markets, pondering creations with my dad, or traveling with my parents. I would often journey to the kids section in the library. There was an awesome fabric covered staircase where you would notice stacks of books next to me, as I got lost in them, the smell of the pages, and the sounds of the thick plastic covers.
It was my high school art teacher that created the initial self-awareness that what I was doing was of significance and worthy of being noticed and shared. I remember the moment 20 years ago, on the streets of Peru, looking through the camera lens, in slow motion. I remember thinking about photography, art, sharing a moment, a story would be part of my life forever. I could hear these boys singing now and when I shared that photo with my teacher.
I entered college not knowing my artistic path, so I began with photography. While there I remember thinking, “why am I here, in art class? Because Ms. A believed in me! I want to be an art teacher!” And so that began the journey into education. During that same time, I also took photojournalism classes for my deep love of telling stories. I quickly realized that I loved to document the exchange and connection between the viewer and the one being photographed, me and my new friends. This was conceptual art.
Has it been a smooth road?
Later in college, I began using art as a tool to heal. In college, I used art to work through the anger and pain of my mom’s death, releasing layers of grief. The second time was a year after my daughter’s birth. I turned to intuitive painting to sort through the challenging delivery and creative shutdown that followed. My art helps clear blockages and promote happiness.
As an art teacher, I used art to guide teenagers on their journey of self-discovery. With time, I became an advocate for teens particularly challenged by low self-esteem, struggling with mental health issues, and offering art as a tool to find their way. My positivity, light, and encouragement help rebuild confidence. I know that facing challenges in creative ways leads to success.
To read more stories visit my blog, https://www.loriarbel.com/blog.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Whether finding joy in the art process or making meaningful connections with students, my passion has led me to teach in NYC and Broward County, along with community spaces. For the past 18 years, I have been a professional artist, certified teacher, and creative coach. We use art & writing as a medium. We explore, experiment, and follow our intuition, letting go of the destination.
As for my professional art-making, which was gently placed on the back burner when I was full-time teaching, it’s now at the forefront. I work from my home studios which have gifted me the opportunity to work with the community and students in new ways.
My current body of work “Thought Patterns” (https://www.loriarbel.com/thought-patterns) explores the inner psyche including the monotonous tasks of everyday life. Using marks and a neutral palette, I delve into thought patterns to reflect on how we connect, respond, and make our mark on the world. I’ve embraced intuition and emotional introspection for content. Paint, pen, and ink lines, handmade paper, and geometric shapes allow me to express energetic and meditative content. The imperfections of the handmade paper and pop of gold illustrate metaphor, transforming sometimes negative energy into something beautiful.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
South Florida is an amazing and vibrant place to live and work. The sun shines bright in this tropical paradise, providing endless energy, light, and inspiration. You can easily travel within our streets and highways to have artistic and cultural experiences, peaceful introspection with nature, meetups with new friends, or chat with fascinating mentors or individuals like myself.
Lori Arbel Art
Don’t miss out! January 10th I will be having a solo art exhibit at the Pompano Cultural Center, details here.
Purchase your original before they sell out! It would be so fun to display my art opening night with a label that says, “On loan from {you/your business/name.}” Please contact 954.600.7222 if that is of interest to you.
You can also shop and find your favorite artwork from the “Thought Pattern” series as prints, products, and accessories. I have partnered with REDBUBBLE and Vida to create beautiful merchandise. Each product is produced with minimal waste and every purchase goes towards the gift of education to their makers.
I invite you to explore other bodies of work that would surely enrich your space or can be given as gifts too. Commissions are also available.
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
