Artist Statement
As someone who lives with a Traumatic Brain Injury, words are sometimes extremely difficult to find. Yet I can express my exact thoughts and emotions in what I chose to create. This is probably why I do not stick to one specific type of medium, as my brain is constantly spinning, along with my emotions, so I keep my options open.
Art is not just something beautiful for me to make, to place on a wall. It has become a healing form of communication between me and the viewer. My “disability” has become my muse, my mentor, which has allowed for this ever-evolving style of contemporary abstract expressionism I never knew I could create
Artist Bio
Long Island, NY born and award-winning sculptor/ abstract artist, Loretta Oberheim, has utilized art to express her emotions throughout her life.
She followed her love of creativity and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she graduated with a B.F.A. in Textile/Surface design. She began working in the high-end floorcovering sector of the interior design industry upon graduation. Some of Loretta’s designs graced the pages of such prominent publications as Vogue, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Interior Design, and LUXE.
In August of 2013, a life altering event occurred, which left Loretta with permanent brain damage to her frontal and temporal lobes, along with other permanent neurological challenges. Unfortunately to her dismay, nothing that was manifesting in her mind would translate. All the love, the appreciation, the years of training were gone.
Fast forward to December 2018, Loretta drove herself back into her craft. In a moment of deep loss, she created the painting "11:04". Behind the layers of oil paint are doctors’ notes, test results, her accident report, letters, and disability forms. In the process of letting go, her ability to create returned, but in a new form. This composition of abstract expressionism stood before her, that was a far cry from her traditional, rigid textile training.
Loretta’s pieces have been on exhibit in galleries in New York, New Jersey, and Arizona. Loretta has also been featured on TLC’s hit show “Unpolished” for her creative, one of a kind “Heart” sculptures.
She has created custom commissions for private residences and businesses across the United States and Canada. However, the one thing keeps her going is working as a Traumatic Brain Injury Advocate to help those understand some disabilities are unable to be seen.
Contact
I'm always open for new and exciting opportunities to discuss my art and why I create. Let's connect.