Artist Statement & Biography
Humans have always been intrigued by the civilizations that came before. From Napoleon’s obsession with Egyptian artifacts to the Cabinets of Curiosity favored by the Victorians, to today’s fascination with found object art, historical dramas, and the evidence of surface wear and rust known as ‘Shabby Chic’.
My personal focus is on the disconnect I see between a lovely but superficial view of the past and the less than romantic reality of life in former eras. The filter some of us use to blur the line between thrilling battles or sumptuous clothing and history’s cruel laws, poverty and naive medical practices inspires me to explore this concept through the materials I use to constru...
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Lora Hart moved to historic Richmond, Virginia in 2012. An artist inspired by historic imagery, Lora's small studiolo is an always changing cabinet of curiosity, populated by found objects, architectural photographs, and little containers filled with colorful gems, antique buttons and otherwise forgotten objects that often spark her creative imagination. Her work has been featured in books, magazines, and calendars and her jewels are sold in galleries and online. As a designer, educator, and creativity coach, Lora's passion for the art and business of jewelry making has taken her across the United States to help other makers explore their own passions, develop their craft and expand their skills.
