Meet Lisa Loudin | Artist Expressing with Ink

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

Hi Lisa, is there something you believe many others might not?
“Play it safe” is the conventional advice I heard from my father. He said being a starving artist would make me miserable. He noted that I liked the finer things in life. I bought it.

My father was a proponent of further education. I knew I would be going to college. He wanted me to get a degree in business. I wanted to follow my heart and pursue a BFA. I read that there was an option to create a hybrid degree but you had to have the support of the heads of the department. I proposed a curriculum that would be equal parts business and art. The head of the business college and art department would not hear of it.

I took a traditional route and pursued illustration. I received a B.A. in art. Two more art classes and two less French classes would’ve landed me a BFA.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Using pen on paper (and other substrates), I draw trees that tell stories. Each piece is comprised of inspired words and illustration to make up the visual elements.

What appears to be a tree from a distance reveals hidden messages, creatures and words of encouragement upon closer inspection. I believe you see just what you need to see each time. Like watching cloud formations, each glance can reveal something new. They’re very playful that way.

I like the old fashioned classical nature of pen and ink. Simple and elegant, ink endures. I found my voice in my work.

My journey here was definitely not a straight line. As early as I can remember being an artist was always the plan. However my good-intentioned adults convinced me to pursue a career in another field to ensure I had a “good” life. It’s a classic story told by many an artist. It was a good living but there was always an ache inside calling me to do what I love.

I was fortunate to pursue an art degree in college. I learned a lot there but without a clear path after college I got into financial services with the plan to get back to my art one day.

That “day” came in the most fun way.
It was back in 2014 I had the thrill of a life time to get a chance to be interviewed at Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studio in Chicago to talk about the book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. The book is a parable about taking steps in the direction of your dreams to reach your destiny. Simply by taking steps, the universe conspires. Perhaps it was just that which inspired me to write “artist” as my profession on the release form. At the time it was not my profession. I definitely took it as a sign when a piece of my interview appeared with “Lisa – artist” on the tv screen. We laughed, they can’t print it if it isn’t true!

The stepping stones just kept appearing after that. From Illinois we moved to the Coachella Valley to pursue my dreams full-time.

One of most thrilling stepping stones this year has been the opportunity to have my work chosen for the Desert Open Studio’s booth at Intersect Palm Springs. It was curated by Frederick Fulmer and I was elated to be chosen to represent the Desert Open Studios.

The next big thrill this year was opening a studio in the illustrious Perez Art District in Cathedral City. There are over forty artists in the district who I have the greatest admiration and respect. It’s an absolutely perfect place to be inspired. I had admired the very studio three years ago never dreaming it would be mine today.

Every Fourth Friday the Perez Art District comes alive with thr Art Walks where almost everyone opens their doors and invites guests to take a peek at their newest works.

In addition, I wear the hat of co-president of the Desert Art Center of Palm Springs which is the oldest art organization in Palm Springs. Since being involved we have revamped the gallery and created more programs to serve all members. In addition there are art classes and workshops for adults. To serve the youth we provide a middle school arts program which is free to students through the public schools and we provide grants to high school art departments which culminates in a big show in the spring.

Between my studio and the DAC life is pretty busy and I couldn’t be more appreciative of this journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my Bestie comes to Palm Springs there is no shortage of entertainment.

As an artist, of course we’re checking out the Fourth Friday Art Walk at the Perez Art District 4-7pm. Over 40 artists have galleries and/or studios in the district. If you’re not around during the fourth Friday, it’s still worth a drive to Cathedral City. Many studios keep their doors open from 11-3 Thursday through Saturday.

While in the area stop by Brunch 101. It’s a fun new spot in Cathedral City that has a nice menu and offers mimosa flight.

Another fun spot to check out local art work is the Desert Art Center. Located in the Uptown District on Palm Canyon, the DAC has 2 galleries. The work is by juried local artists. In addition, there are workshops. Take a painting or wheel throwing workshop for a couple days.

Art is abundant in Palm Springs. From the Backstreet Galleries, Perez Street and many more for the art connoisseur.

I’m a golfer. My Bestie is not. Palm Springs is synonymous with golf so I’d be remiss not to mention it. One of my favorite course is Indian Canyon South. Fabulous views and lush greens. You really can’t go wrong wherever you go golfing in the valley. For my my non-golfing Bestie, I’d take her to Escena Golf Club restaurant for the views and a snack. The San Jacinto Mountains are the back drop of the greens on an inviting, spacious patio.

If visiting during one of the warmer months, heading up the Tram 8,000 ft feels like a trip to Colorado Rockies in 11 minutes. The pine trees and cool air are often a welcome change. The views can’t be beat.

Hiking is a big thing in the Coachella Valley. There are too many to say which is best. Araby trail takes you up behind the historic Bob Hope home on the mountain side. There are a couple hikes that take you to waterfalls or bubbling brooks.

Of course there are lots of fun spots for grabbing a beverage and a bite. EightFourNine is a fave spot for a martini in the bar. They also have a nice menu in their dining room.

Farm offers a secret garden that is a treat for your eyes at the Plaza. I especially like to go there for brunch and they offer a 3 course menu in the evenings often with live music. A single chanteuse with a guitar adds to the ambiance of a beautiful experience.

Lots of beautiful spots to take a break at one or the many boutique hotels. Beautifully designed and fun atmosphere. Just walking in alone makes you feel like you’re on a luxury vacation. Colony Palms has some beautiful drinks and tasty appetizers to enjoy for a break between activities.

There are tiki bars, and music venues around too. You can almost feel the presence of the Rat Pack and old Hollywood in the Purple Room where you can catch a jazz show and much more.

That fills a week or more and it only scratches the surface.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We all stand on the shoulders of everyone who has touched our lives. My mentors are many.

Sarah Bell my high school art teacher, taught me the elements of art, but more, helped me believe that pursuing art was tangible and real. Living and working in Cathedral City, I am inspired by the works of Agnes Pelton who was a transcendentalist painter. I am fascinated by the idea that we are not alone and that our inner guidance is constantly showing us the way. Poets and writers like Dr. Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver inspire, Spiritual teachers such as Abraham Hicks, Eckhart Tolle, and Wayne Dyer have deeply influenced me which I know comes through in my work.

If I can only give credit to one, Robbin Burr, my wife is the one who kept encouraging me to follow my dreams. She is definitely the wind beneath my wings.

Website: www.lisaloudinink.com

Instagram: @lisaloudin