21 SECRETS Spotlight :: Lori Sparkly Franklin

Every Wednesday at Dirty Footprints Studio Tonia Jenny, the 21 SECRETS Creative Director & Course Manager,  is interviewing one of the talented teachers in our program.  Be sure to sign up for blog notifications below to never miss a spotlight — and CLICK HERE to check out past interviews. 

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Greetings Sunshine!

This week the spotlight shines on Lori Sparkly Franklin. If you follow Lori on Facebook or Instagram, you’re very familiar with her love of birds and you also know her art always contains a bit of sparkly magic—at least in my view. I love that Lori brought together her highly-visual and textural collage process with her love of birds for her 21 SECRETS Paper, Glue, Scissors workshop: Hippie Chick Spaghetti Confetti Collage. As you’ll soon read in her interview, like most of us, Lori has felt called to making art for her entire life, but has only recently declared herself an Artist, and as a big fan of her work, I’m so happy to know she now embraces it! 

From what era of your life, up to this point, would you say you learned the most about your authentic artistic voice?

I think I’m still learning. Though I have felt art as a calling my entire life, and been called an artist for pretty much my entire life, I did not become a DECLARED artist until 2009. But my mom’s passing from prolonged Alzheimers in 2013 clarified and cleared the way for a powerful life lesson of time and purpose, which completely overshadowed any fears related to my art. I just don’t sweat the small stuff anymore, and that has completely freed my artistic voice.   

Is there an element in your process that you’re especially passionate about?

Well, maybe not exactly a process—more like a subject—but yes! If you don’t know yet . . . BIRDS! 

In what do you find inspiration that it seems few others find inspiring?

Recognizing daily miracles in nature. I think many folks would find this as inspiring as I do if they had the time. I also think many artists will connect with this answer.  

What is the one thing you hope we remember from your workshop?

That it’s my first one. haha! 

Share something very few people know about you.

OK, here’s a little fluffy tidbit: I have never liked coffee. I know, practically un-American! I learned to adore English Breakfast tea from my British-born mother-in-law, and I start every day with a good cuppa!  

Don’t you just love Lori a little more now that you know more about her? If you, too, love nature, I encourage you to follow Lori on social media and experience her “daily miracles” yourself. 

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About Lori Sparkly Franklin

Lori Sparkly Franklin is a mixed-media artist and photographer from northern Minnesota who leans in to listen to the stories of songbirds, flowers, trees, and forest creatures. Her artwork illustrates what she hears.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Lori Teaches Hippie Chick Spaghetti Confetti Collage in 21 SECRETS Paper, Glue, Scissors

In this how-to workshop of my popular Spaghetti-Confetti-Collage technique, you will see how to crank up a pasta machine to cut, compose and complete a visually pleasing masterpiece on a 12” x 12” (30cm x 30cm) cradleboard or canvas surface. I will share my tried-and-true tips for layering, adhering and embellishing your Hippie Chick collage, however, creativity and improvisation are highly suited for this project! In this joyful class you will be kept relaxed and entertained while learning the tools, techniques, and (yay!) shortcuts of this colorful creation! All class participants will receive a downloadable chicken photo and some of my other downloadable art elements!

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