Loretta Oberheim
Loretta Oberheim is a distinguished artist hailing from Ronkonkoma, New York, known for her tactile, three-dimensional artworks. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2006 and has forged a successful career in the high-end floor-covering sector, which informs her artistic practice.
Her creations explore themes of mental health and disability, drawing inspiration from her experience as a carpet designer, abstract expressionism, and the lively street art of NYC. This exploration has prompted her to delve into the intricacies of her identity and mental wellness.
Oberheim's art has been exhibited internationally in esteemed locations such as the Haegeumgang Theme Museum, Belskie Museum of Art, Tortuga Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art of Long Island, and One Art Space Gallery. She has also made an appearance on TLC's Unpolished.
Her narrative and artistic development have been highlighted in various blogs and publications, including Faces of Long Island, TBR News Media, and The Art Queens AQ Quarterly - Volume 1.
Residing in her Long Island home, Oberheim creates her works with the companionship of her devoted studio assistants—her dogs.
Contact
www.lorettaoberheimart.com
info@lorettaoberheimart.com
Instagram: @loretta_oberheim_art
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
My art practice is deeply inspired by my personal journey, including the challenges I’ve faced and the self-discovery I’ve experienced along the way. Creating art gives me a way to express emotions and stories that words simply can’t capture, and it’s a therapeutic outlet for me. I stay motivated through experimentation, exploring unconventional tools and techniques, and seeing the emotional connections my work creates with others. My goal is to inspire people to follow their passions and embrace imperfections, and that keeps me pushing boundaries in my art.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My mission as an artist is to inspire others to embrace their passions and find joy in experimentation, regardless of limitations or imperfections. This deeply influences the work I create, as I focus on expressing raw emotion and telling stories that resonate with others on a personal level. My work often incorporates unconventional materials and techniques, reflecting my belief that creativity thrives when we think outside the box. By embracing my own challenges and imperfections, I aim to create pieces that encourage others to see beauty in resilience and the power of self-expression.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
A key part of my creative process that helps me stay focused is giving myself the freedom to experiment and adapt. I approach my art with an open mind, letting the process guide me rather than fixating on a perfect outcome. Taking breaks when needed and listening to my body is also essential—I’ve learned that rest and patience are just as important as the act of creating. This mindset keeps me grounded and allows me to stay connected to my work without feeling overwhelmed.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
The mindset tip I rely on most is to embrace imperfections and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of focusing on what I can’t do, I shift my perspective to what I can create with the tools and abilities I have. This allows me to adapt, experiment, and discover new techniques that push my creativity further. I remind myself that art is about expression, not perfection, and that every obstacle I overcome adds depth and meaning to my work.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I hope my art inspires others to embrace their own creativity and see the beauty in resilience and self-expression. By sharing my journey and the unconventional ways I create, I want to encourage people to push past their limitations and explore their passions without fear of imperfection. In my community, I aim to foster connection and dialogue, showing that art can be a powerful tool for healing, understanding, and bringing people together. Ultimately, I want my work to remind others that creativity has no boundaries and that there’s strength in vulnerability.
