Meet Lori Colt

We recently connected with Lori Colt and have shared our conversation below.

Lori, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I fully credit my father for my optimism, kindness and resilience. Our family suffered a great deal of loss in my youth—loss of grandparents, an adopted sister, and my mother by the time I was eight. As an only child, my father rose to the occasion, despite his own sorrows, to make me feel so valued and appreciated. He was a man of faith and unconditional love. He role-modeled for me what it is to be a strong and forgiving human being.

As a child, in the evening, he’d tuck me into bed and would always ask me, “Lori, what are the two most important words?”

“I care”, I’d answer.

At the time, I’d roll my eyes because I thought it was so stupid to repeat this ritual every day, but now, as an older adult, I am absolutely so grateful that I had a parent like that. He was such a good man and I feel I can handle the hard things in life because of his teachings.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a self-taught painter who has been focusing mainly on creating images related to the American West. I worked in management for 35 years, shelving my creative urges, until Covid brought on an early retirement. My husband gave me some watercolor pencils that Christmas and it reignited my passion to create art. What if? Could I get good enough to sale my art? What about art shows? What about galleries? This urge to see where I could go with my art drove me to create a website and brand.

I’ve been painting for about five years now and have done well—I’ve got my paintings into group shows, I sold my work at fairs and local shops, my works has been in prominent galleries here in New Mexico. I feel my art has been well received and I’ve worked hard to put myself out in the public eye.

I recently returned from a two-week artist residency at Chateau d”Orquevaux—slated as one of the top 10 best residencies in the world. As only 20% of applicants are accepted, this was a real pat on the back for this self taught artist to be invited to attend. One of the things that was stressed in this residency is the world’s need for creatives. Our artist journeys make the world a richer place and we will all have self-doubts, but we need to guard against being consumed by doubts when they arise.

I’m not sure where I am headed next with my art, I am feeling an itch to try new things and expand beyond simply painting the American West. In the meantime, readers can find out where I go next by signing up for my monthly newsletter on my website or catching me on Instagram.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Nobody is an expert. You will have many who act like they know it all, tell you your work isn’t good enough or that it should be done a certain way. Ignore them. It’s all subjective. You do you, the world needs your vision and talent.

2. Debunk comparisons. Don’t worry about what anybody else is doing and for goodness sake don’t be a copy cat unless you are doing it to learn a new talent or technique for yourself. Trust your own creative journey. You got this.

3. Don’t use cheap materials. I thought I hated soft pastels and watercolors until I bought quality products. They don’t have to be the most expensive, but purchase good brands and the right substrates otherwise you might be setting yourself for frustration. The last thing you want to do is give up because you don’t have the right materials. And note, most larger communities have art closets where unused or no longer wanted art supplies go to for the taking.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

When I moved back to New Mexico in 2021, I knew with this emphasis on making art that I wanted to get involved and meet more like-minded people. I joined New Mexico Women in the Arts, a committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in DC, and I took on the role of volunteer Social Media Director. For two years, I posted content relevant to our community and met so many incredible artists.

Now, many of those artists are dear friends and they have become my cheerleaders. Having social networks of supportive friends is essential to encouraging success. They have all contributed to my skill and knowledge base, offering advice and fresh perspectives. I don’t think I would be where I am now had it not been for so many wonderful art friends making me and my mark-making feel so valued.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coyoteandchamisa.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coyoteandchamisa_art/

Image Credits

Margot Hartford
Lori Colt