Lori was born into a family of artists, and craftsmen. While she admits to being crafty, she says she is neither artist nor craftsman, instead, she says: “Any good in me, is God in me.”
Lori has a natural balance of outlets for her creativity including digital art, photography, wood crafting, soft sculpture, pencil art, oils, watercolors, stained glass, acrylics, papier-mache and fiberglass but it is not her talents in art that makes Lori a beloved treasure to us. She has used her suicide story to share with teens in speaking engagements around Texas inspiring teens to look to Christ in times of trouble. Lori’s story is also included in the book titled “Always Hope” and her own version is featured various print and online magazines.
Lori’s love of art began with 10 years of private lessons as a child and teenager, then 3 years of concentrated studies in college. As an adult Lori spent 5 years in the Theatrical Stagehands Union working backstage on costumes, sets and props. From there Lori moved onto stage and set design for her church and other community events.
Lori’s Grandfather, Homer Diman, is one example whose works are displayed throughout the world in well-respected galleries and museums including but not limited to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. His ancestor, the great Winslow Homer is a household name among art lovers the world over. Her family line also boasts of Madam Louise Homer (famous contralto from the Golden Age of the Metropolitan Opera). Lori’s genealogy also notes Augustus St. Gaudens (sculptor) and Ralph Waldo Emerson, the writer, poet, and philosopher.
On her mother’s side, the Brandon family has been an anchor in the Alvin and Santa Fe areas since the mid-1800’s. Their original family homestead still stands as a monument to days gone by and is still owned by her extended family. Her roots run deep in the community and also in her faith.
Lori believes there is an artist in all of us, but the soul of art is not in the frame of man, but in the ORIGINAL CREATOR, God. Lori’s goal in all good things is to always point back to her God.
Parts of the above narrative about Lori was written by her Pastors wife as an introduction prior to a speaking engagement. Part of the narrative was written by art curator Nancy Moss as well as snippets by the editor of the book, “Always Hope”.