Meet Loretta Pena | Artist

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

Hi Loretta, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I came from the corporate world where all aspects of that world were on a schedule. It’s very structured and cutthroat. Every task had a deadline and it was extremely stressful. I grew increasingly stressed to a point where I almost lost my mind. Once I was forced to make a decision to stay in the corporate world or do something else, I turned to art and realized how blessed I was to finally do something I loved. Once I believed I was getting somewhere with this art, ideas started to flow. So, in answer to your question, I asked myself these questions. What did I most admire in a company? I admired companies that had interesting, fearless products.. I loved companies that catered to all people with a non-superior approach. Most of all, I loved to see and feel the passion put into each product. I figured if this was important to me, then it might also be important to others as well. That was my thought process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I use my art as therapy. I am unafraid to be vulnerable. No subject is off limits to me and I only tackle subjects I know. I don’t create art to make a sale. I create art that touches you and comes from the deepest, darkest and also the most loving, passionate parts of my heart. I want to be in control of your feelings the minute you set eyes on my creations. I create art that you probably would not want to put on your walls as decor, but art that connects with you. I hate to say this but it came too easy for me to make the transition from a corporate robot to an artist. I think this is so because I never expected anything. I did this for fun not ever thinking that anyone would even take notice. I never took any art classes. I’m self-taught and refuse to create art with rules and I don’t want to know what the rules are. I am sort of a rebel artist, if you will. I learned that it probably worked for me because my life experiences were relatable to the everyday person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a big fan of music. I don’t have a favorite genre. I love all music. So with that said, we would probably visit venues that offer live music. I frequent Yoshi in Oakland, the Fox Club in Redwood City and Fox Theater also in Redwood City and would definitely spend some time at these places. I love the intimate venues rather than the large stadiums. I also love all types of food. There has not been an ethnic food that I did not like. I am not into the pricey restaurants either. What matters to me most is the experience and the food of course. We definitely would need to visit Mua in Oakland. It’s one of my favorite places. It’s a large warehouse turned into a really cool restaurant with, awesome artwork, a great bar and eclectic food. It also has a DJ that plays music while you dine. Jack London Square would also be a destination spot for us to dine or just hang out and have a drink or two. It is an area in Oakland that offers many restaurants of different cultures and I love to support it as much as possible. The Mission in San Francisco would also be a great food destination spot to take friends with the many bars and restaurants it offers. Finally, we would probably head south to Monterey and hang out, eat, drink and shop.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My son Adam Pena, deserves recognition as he was the person that encouraged me to create art. My therapist Dr. Rattu also deserves recognition. She helped me see parts of me I tried to avoid and parts of me I needed to embrace. Finally, the people, and artists of Instagram. They inspire and encourage me everyday.

Website: https://www.artpiecebypeace.com

Instagram: artpiecebypeace

Image Credits
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