29 Aug Featured Instructor of the Month – Meet Barbara DiLorenzo
Meet Barbara DiLorenzo:local artist, author, and ACP instructor
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ARTIST?
When I was a little kid, I wasn’t very good at drawing. But since I loved horses, I made up my mind that I needed to learn how to draw them. I practiced drawing from my piles of horse books. I also asked people to help me. Bit by bit, my horse drawings became more confident. After a while, people called me an artist. But the only thing I knew how to draw was a horse!
With time I expanded my range of drawing subject matter, learning from books and good art teachers. I took classes outside of school and enjoyed developing skills with different mediums. I am grateful that I had a family that supported me in going to art school, where I majored in illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Although art school isn’t necessary to have a thriving art career, I found it to be an oasis of people that understood the importance of art and design. Outside of art communities, it can be frustrating to try to justify the importance of creativity–which is what led me to seek out the Arts Council of Princeton when I first moved to New Jersey.
What inspires you to make art?
My inspiration has always been to tell a story. Even in exhibitions with fine art paintings, I need a thread of a story in my work. One of my shows on the North Shore of Massachusetts was a series called “The Places We Shop.” I did Plein air Alla prima acrylic paintings of big and small businesses. For example, I compared Home Depot to the local hardware store, Starbucks to the local coffee shop, and BJ’s Wholesale Club to the local farm stand. Each painting was paired with a written description of what that location was like. Sharing the work with the public invited their experiences, which continued the storytelling.
Today, most of my storytelling exists in book format. While I have three picture books published, I’m working on my first graphic novel with my writing partner, Rob Richardson. But even in the academic drawings and paintings I do with students, the urge to put in a narrative element is strong.
What’s inspiring you these days?
Learning and trying new things has always been a source of inspiration. I find myself surrounded by many extraordinary people with many perspectives and ideas – not just about art, but in life, which inspires me. We are all so unique and I wish I had time to get to know more people well. As a student at Mason Gross School of the Arts, experiencing what other artists create is inspiring and motivating. I feel fortunate to be able to admire and celebrate what they do.
I feel there are a lot of people who are artistic but don’t consider themselves to be artists. As humans we are made to create. Consider styling hair, creating physical spaces, buildings, gardens, atmospheres, interactions, medical devices. There’s a lot of creativity and artistic thinking around us, that’s also inspiring to me.
How long have you been an ACP instructor, and what is your favorite part about teaching?
The very first class at the Arts Council of Princeton was Picture Book Illustration in January 2014. I’m approaching 9 years as an ACP teacher! As a teaching artist, it is my mission to show students of any age and any ability, that everyone is entitled to a creative life. My favorite part about teaching is witnessing an artist discovering and exploring their visual voice.
What inspires you to make art?
My inspiration has always been to tell a story. Even in exhibitions with fine art paintings, I need a thread of a story in my work. One of my shows on the North Shore of Massachusetts was a series called “The Places We Shop.” I did Plein air Alla prima acrylic paintings of big and small businesses. For example, I compared Home Depot to the local hardware store, Starbucks to the local coffee shop, and BJ’s Wholesale Club to the local farm stand. Each painting was paired with a written description of what that location was like. Sharing the work with the public invited their experiences, which continued the storytelling.
Today, most of my storytelling exists in book format. While I have three picture books published, I’m working on my first graphic novel with my writing partner, Rob Richardson. But even in the academic drawings and paintings I do with students, the urge to put in a narrative element is strong.
How long have you been an ACP instructor, and what is your favorite part about teaching?
The very first class at the Arts Council of Princeton was Picture Book Illustration in January 2014. I’m approaching 9 years as an ACP teacher! As a teaching artist, it is my mission to show students of any age and any ability, that everyone is entitled to a creative life. My favorite part about teaching is witnessing an artist discovering and exploring their visual voice.
What’s inspiring you these days?
I am currently wrestling with a new picture book that focuses on children whose families face homelessness. I’m inspired by ACP’s own program, ArtsExchange, which works with HomeFront students on a weekly basis. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of that program since 2016. After six years, the story of a girl empowered by performing arts, but whose family spends the summer living in a car, is coming together. I’m influenced by our connection with McCarter Theater, HomeFront, and even the Trenton Circus Squad.
As mentioned earlier, I’m also working on a graphic novel about the young Leonardo da Vinci. While we appreciate his genius in his adult years, few people know that he had a bumpy childhood. His parents were not married to each other, and because of that, he wasn’t allowed a formal education. He exhibited signs of dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder. He was also on trial for homosexual acts, twice. When I learned about this, it made me appreciate him so much more. I thought kids today might be inspired to know he had challenges that resonate with contemporary life–and making art was his retreat and ultimately, salvation.
What’s one thing about you people would be surprised to know?
While I work hard at my craft (writing, art, illustration), there is one gift I was born with that I never have to work at–parallel parking my car. I have no idea why I’m good at it, but it made living in NYC much easier with that skill. I will admit car cameras throw me off a little. But with no camera, even with cars honking, I can get a car in a tight space, no problem. In contrast, if I stay away from my sketchbook for even a week, I get rusty and need to work hard on my drawing skills again. 🙂
Do you have a new book coming out this fall?
I do. One Thursday Afternoon (Flyaway Books) is a picture book that brings into focus school lockdown drills, but in the gentlest way I could think of to help kids and caregivers continue the conversation. I offer tools to help reduce anxiety, which includes creativity, nature, and talking to someone you trust. Click here to view the book trailer:
One Thursday Afternoon will be released on September 6, 2022. I will be leading free painting in parks for children and their adults in the spirit of reducing anxiety and having a fun, creative fall. For more information on locations and dates, please visit www.barbaradilorenzo.com.
Check out Barbara’s classes this fall!
Monday Drawing: Pencil, Pen, Ink (starting October 3)
Tuesday Painting through Color (starting October 4)
Watercolor Studio (starting October 4)
Friday Watercolor Landscape (starting October 7)