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

Hi Loren, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I feel like creative professions are commonly seen solely as a reflection of the creator’s innate talents rather than as a deliberately cultivated set of skills. Of course the natural advantages often play a vital role in how successful a creative career becomes, but it truly is just one component. Often folks overlook the numerous elements of skilled training that are just as arduous and technical as a those in any other field.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Born and raised in Los Angeles (Culver City), I studied at Cal Poly Humboldt in Northern California for undergraduate and Arts University of Bournemouth on the southern of England for my Master’s degree in 3D illustration. Over the course of a decade I developed a unique practice which fused my passion for traditional figurative ceramic sculpting together with my deep fascination with digital sculpture and 3D printing technology. The result is my current and ongoing series of life-sized figures, busts, and paintings created either entirely or primarily using a handheld 3D printing pen. My work aims to use it’s gestural poses, organic elements and dynamic forms as a vessel to explore a future-focused curiosity, nuanced historical interrogation and to express personal emotional truths founded upon my lived experience as a young black artist in America.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a nature lover at heart, so I would prioritize places such as Griffith, Elysian or even Kenneth Hahn Park, as well some of the many beautiful beaches from the Palos Verdes to Zuma. Back in the city I would champion open-air eating opportunities such as Smorgasbord LA and Grand Central Market. Lastly, I would encourage them to visit the numerous major art institutions such as the Hammer, CAAM and the Broad, but also lesser known local institutions such as the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City and Art+Practice in Leimert Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As cliché as it may sound, literally none of this would be possible without the continued support of my friends and family. In so many ways, from networking, professional critique and emotional support to physically helping me install work, I have been fortunate to be able to rely on an amazing group of individuals in my life.

Website: https://Lorenleblancart.com

Instagram: @Loren.LeBlanc.art

Other: Tic Toc: @loren.leblanc.art, Lorenleblancart@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.