Lori Crooks
I am a long time social worker who stumbled upon alcohol inks a few years ago and serendipitously unleashed my inner artist!
I used all my free time during the pandemic to experiment, learn multiple techniques and improve my art skills while working with this magical, mercurial and very fluid medium. While taking art classes in other mediums and was fortunate enough to meet several amazing artists who encouraged me to develop a beginner workshop and become an instructor. Desperate for change and a desire to reinvent myself I rose to the challenge.
Over the past three years I have taught approximately 200 or more single session and 3-5 week session workshops & classes at The Norristown Art League, Main Line School Night, Whitemarsh Art Center, Mt. Airy Learning Tree, vineyards and breweries. I also offer customized private workshops and have been blessed to have met some amazingly creative people. I tend to have a penchant for abstract florals and have been able to sell some of my reproductions as small note cards in a variety of stores in Montgomery County, PA including Valley Forge Flowers in Wayne, PA.
I have never been happier and want introduce others to this medium as well as talking about the importance of mental health and using creativity as a way to relax, soothe & distract from the challenges of life. Teaching art is most rewarding!
I can be found on facebook@Lori Lorraine, @zanymom on Instagram or feel free to email me: Lorraine.crook1@gmail.com for details.
Philosophy of Teaching:
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." - Thomas Merton
I found my true passion when I serendipitously discovered Alcohol Inks and in many ways it’s changed the trajectory of my life and career. I aim to provide a robust experience to my students and bring passion, joy, creativity and a sense of zen. This medium is magical, mercurial and can be very soothing and distracting. I believe there is a deep connection between mental health and creativity.
I have been teaching Alcohol Inks for the past 4 years after a long career in Social Work. I continue to work as a Hospice Social Worker and teach art in many venues in Montgomery County including Main Line Art Center, Main Line School Night, Yellowsprings, Blooming Peace Studio, Norristown Art League, and Center on the Hill.