We had the good fortune of connecting with Loren Means and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Loren, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
I recently read Matt Blum’s ebook, Badass Medocrity: A Guide to Getting Sh*t Done. It’s a self-help style book written with the candor of a best friend and the wisdom of a seasoned mentor. In his book, he encourages the reader to set aside “The three Ps: planning, perfecting and procrastinating” and effectively, just pull the trigger on things.

He dives into how so many of us get caught up in the steps prior to taking a leap and obsess too much over everything being just so. That we create our own inaction and paralysis by judging ourselves too harshly. He encourages the reader to embrace their “mediocrity” to avoid creating their own road blocks. No one is perfect. Nothing is perfect. Don’t let the reach for perfection be the reason you did nothing at all.

As an artist who picked up a paintbrush and a glue stick for the first time one year ago, I have absolutely been delaying. Delaying sharing my work with friends, delaying sharing my work publicly and delaying engaging in interviews such as this. I kept waiting until I felt I had something truly amazing to share and something perfectly beautiful to show. His book encouraged me to revel in this moment, in the process, and move forward today with good enough for now.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I accidentally tripped and fell into my self discovery as an artist. What began as the creation of my first ever “vision board” in January of 2024, intended to hang on the wall in my laundry room, has slowly morphed into what has become a true passion. I’ve always appreciated the aesthetics and intrigue behind visual art but never imagined being the creator of it.

As a natural story teller, and someone who admittedly loves to talk, I am now able to tell stories of human emotion and experience through the use of various imagery and mixed media. I know a piece is finished when I see a completed story that tells a personal life experience, feeling, or aspiration that could truly resonate with almost anyone. Using black and white imagery and adding color through paint, magazine clippings and the like, it all comes to life. There is beauty in the simplicity of black and white, but I feel like all the magic comes from color. I like to think of each one as a feast for the eyes and exercise for the mind!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a resident of Oak Cliff, I would absolutely spend a Saturday or Sunday in Bishop Arts. I’d start with brunch at Xaman Cafe. The elote pancakes and pozole are two of my favorite items! Then I would stroll down N Bishop Ave and pop into the many shops and galleries along the strip. I’d stop in for a beverage on the patio at Paradiso to soak up the fun ambiance and decor. I’d make sure we found our way over to Revelry Hall between 2-5pm to enjoy live music from their house band. Then I would head to an early dinner at Written by the Seasons to enjoy their ever changing seasonal menu. The food is always delicious and the staff are all very friendly and knowledgable!

Since we are about to roll into Spring, going to a Thursday concert at the Arboretum would be on the list! Stroll around and enjoy all the beautiful landscaping prior and the then find yourself a spot and enjoy a picnic and some live music.

You can’t come to Dallas for a week without going to a steakhouse. Town Hearth in the Design District is not to be missed! The entire menu is delicious, steaks are cooked over open fire, the service is impeccable and the decor and ambiance are over the top. After dinner, consider going across the street to Bar Charles for a lively scene.

Highland Park Village is great for window shopping and people watching. I would recommend a table outside at Mi Cocina for a famous “mambo taxi” and some light bites before strolling around. Or if you’re feeling a little more upscale, sit on the patio at long time resident, Cafe Pacific, for oysters and perfectly made martinis.

Grange Hall is worth a stop in to see their beautifully eclectic shop and nosh on a cheeseboard in their restaurant. After, I would enjoy strolling up and down Knox street and popping into the various shops along the street.

If you have the time and some tennis shoes, I love going to Cedar Ridge Park and strolling the trails. It is a nice reprieve from the hustle of the city and there are some pretty views!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Such a wonderful question! If I started to name everyone who has provided support, love, and encouragement since I began last January, the music would start to play as someone whose speech goes too long at the Oscars.

I have an amazing family and many loved ones in my life who really encouraged me early on and gave me the confidence I needed to dive in and keep going. Creating your first piece of art at 44 years old, and having it so well received by those who see it, makes it difficult to know if you actually have talent or just really nice friends! Luckily for me, I know my inner circle will always shoot me straight and I am eternally grateful for them in this and all things.

To call out a handful by name, A big Thank You to Ryan O, Matt B, Chandler M, Charlie K, Blake G, David E, Michael D, Courtney P, Ashley W and Sutton C. for your continued kind words, enthusiasm and support.

Website: https://www.lorenmeans.com

Instagram: @thecolorchopshop

Image Credits
George Mayer

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