Interview: Lora Talbot
Luca Curci talks with Lora Talbot, one of the winners of ARTIST OF THE MONTH – DECEMBER 2020.

As an undergraduate Lora studied ceramic sculpture and continued to express herself through clay for many years. She threw and hand built vessels but desired more color, depth on the surface of her sculpture. She loved the work of Peter Voulkos who is best known for his abstract expressionist Interpretation of ceramic sculpture. While visiting Betty Woodmans’ ceramic studio in Italy She was struck by her use of bright color and bold gestural marks. Lora began experimenting with paint instead of glazes in an effort to achieve the pallet and powerful marks desired. Frustrated and burned out by this process, She started throwing fist full of clay at a huge white wall in the studio. The process turned into vibrant splatters of paint over gobs of clay. This became the nexus of her work as she cast India ink, paint and a multitude of other supplies onto the wall. She became lost in this new medium – rubbing, and brushing. Canvas is now the main focus. She is a full-time artist and has a studio in Easthampton, MA.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Lora Talbot – I view it as a job that I love. I get up every day and drive 45 minutes to my studio.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
LT – BFA in Sculpture. MA. Expressive therapies. Life experiences. From travel to architecture. I have a passion for classic cars. I love the outdoors.

LC – Which subject are you working on?
LT – I let the art direct my subject. I feel I do not control this. Everyday I’m in a different place with my art.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
LT – Artist are story tellers in the broadest sense. Some more political than others. I don’t view myself as a political artist. My work is energy and passion.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
LT – Art museums, auctions, and daily experiences.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
LT – Fighting for recognition.

LC – What is your creative process like?
LT – I pace the room. I see lines in the gesso from my application on the canvas. Sketching in charcoal, erase and start again.