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I SEE YOU …

Yet another soul sister has entered my life and indeed again, the timing is emaculate!  My connection with Lori came via filmmaker Toni Powell (365 Grateful) who shared with me the project that Lori was creating for their documentary entitled ‘A Hundred Thank-Yous’.  Well after my conversation with Toni I went immediately to Lori’s website and bang I was hit with an instant feeling of ‘I know you girlfriend’.  Via a few emails and a little sharing of sisterhood stories, I think we knew fairly quickly that there was a bond forming.  Our skype chat confirming the sisterhood union.

Lori comes across initially as a sweet, light, breath of fresh air – this you can see in her paintings in our Gallery.  When you scratch the surface a little deeper, there is a woman who knows where she is going and what she wants to achieve in making a difference in the world.  She has drive, but not in a agressive sense, she is no-nonsense, but not in a harsh sense either.  It’s just that she’s bloody strong because she’s been through crap sense!  Incredibly we share some early life experiences.  To understand where Lori has been and how she has blossomed into the woman she is today is just magic.  She is wise, discerning and focussed.  Most recently she has embraced her new found ‘angry, non-optimistic, spit-fire’ self with acceptance and I feel a hint of enthusiasm.  I love a women who is not afraid to show themselves to the world and be honest about it.  She is inspiring, courageous, open and so very talented (you just want to punch her lights out don’t ya!).

Lori has a teaching and counselling background but Art has always been her passion.  Thankfully, through her divorce, her Art began to take on a new level of development and seemed to ‘flow’ into what I would term her ‘life’s calling’.  Lori reminded me that although we may be going through the most devastating life experience such as divorce, that out of these messy, pooey, stinky, confusing experiences lay nuggets of pure gold just waiting to be exposed.  I reflected upon my life’s hurdles and saw that out of every seemingly horrible situation, indeed there was a higher purpose and the nugget of gold was always there, down the track, waiting to be found.  Thank you for the reminder sister.  Very timely.

I tell you, this woman has much to share with the world, not only through her Art, which is absolutely gorgeous, but through her life experience.  She is someone who never gives up, who is always absorbing, learning, growing and loving.  A breath of fresh air in a sometimes very stinky world.

So glad you have come into my life Lori … I can’t wait to meet you.  Australia awaits your arrival my dear friend – I feel an Art exhibition in the wings !!!

Justine x

LORI’S GIFT TO YOU …

I think I have always had an artist’s spirit within me, but more recently I have deeply connected with that energy and art has become how I make my living.  I make artwork that is a reflection of gratitude and happiness in the world.  Since I have entered my 40’s I feel like I am on the right path, doing what I’m supposed to do.   Art feels like home to me.

This year I started a very exciting and challenging project called A Hundred Thank-Yous (Inspired by 365 Grateful) My plan is to give away 100 paintings to 100 beautiful people who have made a positive impact on my life.  I’m consciously giving the gift of time, love and creativity.  My intention is to transfer thoughtful, heartfelt energy directly to those who receive my artwork.

LIFTING THE VEIL …

What are you here to contribute?

I believe that the simple reason I am here is to spread love.  I do this as often as I can through my actions, through my artwork, and through prayer and meditation.  When I am unloving in my actions, I try to forgive myself as quickly as possible and let go of the guilt.  I know I am doing the best I can.

What makes you light up and come alive?

Travelling, planning trips with my husband and even looking through National Geographic Traveler magazine always makes me come alive.  I love art supplies for their gorgeous colours and pure potential.  The same is true for farmer’s markets with beautiful organic produce.  I also love spending time in the company of women I adore.

What have you always known the most about and been interested in forever? Is there just one thing, or are there several?

I know a lot about nutrition and healthy eating and I have been interested in those subjects since I was 21 years old and became a vegetarian.  I care about what I am putting into my body.  It is part of my spiritual practice to treat myself as well as I treat others.  This is always a work in progress!  I also know a lot about animal welfare issues.  I care deeply about all animals and the earth.

What would you both bring to a community if it was your sole job to perform and no one could perform it but you?

I would open an amazing handmade art shop that sold nothing but hand-picked art from the community with a common theme of love and gratitude, colour and light.  I could also see offering art classes and workshops, with a primary focus on the joy of making art from the heart.

What are you continually asked to do?

I am continually asked to illustrate children’s books!  I am currently in the process of illustrating a wonderful children’s book that my friend wrote, teaching kids about the power of our thoughts to lift our grumpy moods.

What do people see in you both, when indeed they see you?

I think that people see me as a loving, compassionate and happy person.  That is true, but I also have a spit-fire side which I have recently come to accept and even like a little!

Connect with Lori

Website: www.LoriPortka.com

Facebook: Lori Portka

Link: A Hundred Thank-Yous

Link: 365Grateful