Meet Loralea Landrum | Mural artist/ oil paintings and portraits

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

Hi Loralea, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Although I have always loved art and being an artist since I was child, it really became a life changing career while experiencing homelessness. I built a wagon for my paints and supplies and started painting signs and murals in Jackson tn that led to bigger and bigger jobs and eventually allowed me begin rebuilding my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Most of that answer is in what I mentioned in the last question. There really is alot more to it, But no it sure wasn’t easy but it was an adventure for sure and the hardest parts are our most cherished parts. Being creative really came in handy in that situation because I was able to gather materials I found that were being thrown out and discovered a love for building when I built a 2 story treehouse in the woods to live in. I built a woodstove and set up a battery/inverter system for electricity. My two sons, Ronnie and Devin stayed there with me alot and we were really were happy and quite cozy. I painted for the money we needed. That was a pretty cool experience although I’m glad we have a real house now that we rent. Our goal is to be able to find some land and recreate that life but in a legitimate way on our own land. I hope to one day be able to reach back and show love and support to others the way it was shown to us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite place here is Henderson Energy and Nutrition where I paint seasonal window decorations in exchange for energy teas. They are the best! There’s also Besso’s Coffee which is really cool atmosphere and wonderful people. In nearby Jackson, you can visit several museums, and lots of places for music and art. There’s Doe’s Eat Place, where they have such good food and it’s located inside the old historic greyhound bus station. I painted the murals in their dining room too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That would be Mike Roby, the former director of Area Relief Ministries in Jackson tn. And Dawn and Jason Bramblett of Bramblett Group in Henderson tn. Mike looked out for me when I was homeless, often bringing me something I needed and even bought paint and supplies to support my efforts. He was also the one who connected me with Bramblett Group where I was hired for the 2 biggest mural jobs of my life. They provided a place for me and my 2 sons to stay while I painted and took us in like family and were there to support us in so many ways while we rebuilt our lives in Henderson. Jacks Creek church of christ and and so many others that have become family to us over the years, Judy and Frank Bell. Wilma Howard. This town really lifted us up with so much love while I gave it everything I had to make us a real life here and a successful career as an artist

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