Interview
Andreas Peters
Lorena studied at Elemental Visual Art Institute and graduated at 19 with a diploma in Fine Arts. Starting her career as the tattoo artist she has become today. She collaborated and participated in collective art exhibits, community art events, and art shows with other talented artists in Havana. After moving to Toronto, Canada in 2008, Lorena continued to keep up with her studies and graduated from OCAD. She also attended TSA ( The Toronto School of Art ) finishing her studies with another Fine Art Diploma. In 2009, Lorena got involved in the Tattoo Industry and has since worked next to many world renowned Tattoo Studios and Artists of Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe, Cuba, and other countries. She is the founder/head artist of IndigoArtattoos in Toronto, she also had been published in many Canadian and international magazines, journalists articles, she worked alongside writers on storyboards, illustrating covers for novels and children’s books, she has also appearances in tv and radio interviews, that have helped to put her name and work out there.
She is known as the coverup Queen due her extensive work covering old/unwanted tattoos, surgeries scars for cancer survivors and cosmetic surgery procedures, injuries, self harm scars etc. She have been an active member of her community, Canadian & Latino, highly involved in artistic events, charity, non profit fundraisings, woman empowerment events, children activities etc.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Born in the beautiful city of Havana, Cuba, I found myself through the love of art. Picking up a paintbrush at a very young age, I fell in love with drawing colourful and bright things!”
What inspires you?
“Coming from a Caribbean background, I mostly find inspiration in all the tropical vibes from the island. The saturation of colours and texture is a must in my work, the culture, the woman, things that surround me. I paint and create artwork about it and for it.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“For the most part, I make women the protagonist. A magical and strong figure, but at the same time beautiful and delicate. There is many messages within my artwork but for the most part, I want the beholder to experience emotions when they see my work.”
How would you describe your work?
“Bold, bright and beautiful. Lot of details, a lot to see. It’s a journey for your eyes. An experience. Saturated with colours and passion.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I’m forever inspired by a favourite classic expressionist painter, Edvard Munch. I also have a love also for Monet, Degas, and Cezanne. But there is indeed a lot of talent nowadays too that I absolute enjoy when I go to a gallery show or a museum.”
“Coming from a Caribbean background, I mostly find inspiration in all the tropical vibes from the island.”
What is your creative process like?
“Working those creative juices is not easy sometimes, but at this point I have a discipline and I work on my art pretty much every day. I also draw every day. It’s like my daily exercise. It’s not only brainstorming ideas, those concepts I like and find that I want to explore I sketch them first. Everything starts from there, from the mind to the canvas.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Being an artist is being given a voice, a tool to not only make the world better and more beautiful but also is a privilege to have such an amazing way of expressing ourselves and make the beholder feel things and think about important matters. An artist can use their artwork to engage, to inspire, to make a positive impact, a difference in any society or culture.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My last exhibit ‘Live Painting Performance’ was done at Don Jail, downtown, Toronto. Under the @leadershipsinai organization, where I perform all night, painting live for all the guests. My beautiful canvas was also part of the auction at the end of the night.”
Website: www.indigoartattoos.com
Instagram: @Indigoartattoos
