Art, love and all things Lori

Whether you like intellectual art that makes you think about the deeper meaning and focuses on simplicity or something to make you smile and ponder – Lori Schappe-Youens does it all.

Her artwork has been described as abstract expressionism, put simply it really is just Lori.

“I have two ranges which portray the different parts of my personality – one is more serious often using just two colours and maybe some random letters or Morse code looking signs here or there that might send a subliminal message. The other side of my work is comical and fun,” said the blonde, dreamy artist with the lively blue eyes who lives in Simbithi with her chocolate Labradoodle, Olli.

“I am smitten with color and texture. Sometimes my stuff is nonsensical with no intention. My hand is literally being guided. I cannot perfectly replicate a piece. They are unique in their moment.”

While Lori looks the part of a North Coast laid back lifestyle lover, her distinct American accent gives away that she is not a local girl.

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Born and bred in Wisconsin, Lori’s first “Out of Africa” experience came through a lucky offer from a Rotarian friend to tour Southern Africa for six weeks.

“We began in South Africa and visited Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and finally, Malawiwhere I fell in love with my ex-husband and Africa.”

After the six weeks, she went back to the states. She pined for Africa and nine months later, in 1993, she visited her ex-husband in Johannesburg.

“He proposed to me after three days. We got married and had two kids, Holden (16) and Lilly Pearl (21). When Holden was two years old, I had this strong urge to paint full time again. Visuals played in my head as I slept and roared through me onto the canvas. Painting for me was as necessary as breathing or eating or experiencing love,” said Lori, who comes from a family of artists and studied art in America.

Her career really took off and her work was exhibited in galleries around SA and even America.

When her marriage ended in 2012, Lori went back to the States, but Africa had stolen her heart.

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Five years later, she moved to the North Coast, her new home of choice.

Last year, she and her “wild Spanish partner”, North Coast photographer Leticia Cox, opened their own art space called L+L Gallery at Sage Centre.

Besides her art, Lori also has an organic styled jewelry range made from materials such as mixed metals, sea glass and wood.

“I am planning on branching into home style furnishings this year called Love Lori. I want people to walk into the shop and feel like they are walking into my home, featuring all those beautiful items we love in our homes, starting with one-of-akind kimonos. I have got lots planned for this year.”

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