We recently connected with Lori Dresner and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Lori with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I come from a hard working family – my father was self made, a builder, and instilled his work ethic in me from an early age. No matter the subject, I was programmed to work hard. So. As a professional, an artist, and a philanthropist, the idea of working hard comes naturally from within.
I believe that if you do what you love, you love what you do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a kid, I was obsessed with painting, sculpting and pottery, and by the age of 12 I knew I wanted to be an artist. I went to the Rhode Island School of Design for Ceramics, then moved on to major in Video Art at The Art Institute of Chicago. Although I missed clay, I found that video used not just my creativity, but my intellect. After school, I moved to New York and then Paris. I had a 30+ year career in international TV production. I loved it.
Fourteen years ago, my life pivoted and I found myself back in the United States and the president of the V&J Dresner Foundation, whose mission is to improve lives by providing grants focused on health, youth and animal welfare. I became as passionate about helping others as I was about being a producer.
I moved to Aspen, Colorado and got back to clay, making sculpture and pottery again. Recently, I opened my own studio/gallery called LD Ceramix, where people can come watch me work, and if so inclined, they can buy something. Every piece I make is unique, tells a story and comes from the heart.
But there is more to loving ceramics than just making it. I am also on the board of the Carbondale Clay Center, a community center dedicated to enriching lives through the ceramic arts.
I am committed to helping others through art.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Open your heart. Open your mind.
Open your head.
Looking back, I think being receptive to different cultures and ideas is key. I travelled extensively for work and found myself in many situations that helped me grow intellectually and emotionally.
I learned to adapt.
I believe that young people should get as much experience as they can in order to translate that into what they do.
It’s not always about what you say, but how you say it. Kindness and understanding are key in any situation.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My good friend Sam Harvey has been the most encouraging friend and mentor. Not only is he a knowledgable ceramist, he has been a major influence in the world of ceramic art.
His support has been invaluable in every way.
As a gallery owner, he pushes me to analyze and try new ideas.
As a teacher, he helps me find inspiration for my art work.
As a friend, he listens and encourages my philanthropic endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ldceramix.com
- Instagram: @ldceramix
- Facebook: ldceramix
- Linkedin: lori dresner
