Lori pratico
Non Profit Leader | Muralist | Author | Speaker
I throw paint on walls and canvases to inspire others to believe in themselves and notice their value.
I feel like I hit jackpot when I realized that I could use my art as the vehicle to empower. The result is my non-profit Girl Noticed, Inc. a mural project with impact.
Girl Noticed has traveled to 15 states, created over 35 murals, and held dozens of workshops by partnering with local organizations and communities. Together we create mural events celebrating girls and women who are nominated to be “noticed”. Nominations cover a wide spectrum, from overcoming personal struggles to momentous achievements. The individuals chosen represent many others like them and the murals have brought attention to subjects such as Asperger’s Syndrome, racism, poor body image, domestic violence, education, breast cancer awareness, and LGBTQ rights to name a few. When we take the time to notice and value a young girl, giving her the confidence she needs to reach for her goals and be herself, she grows to be a woman who will give back to her community and the world.
My “why” is to inspire all people to believe in themselves without limitation. At 18 years old, I began my artistic journey by climbing and painting billboards in Philadelphia. When I was 21 I started my first for-profit business in the creative industry, and have remained a working artist for over twenty-five years. Highlights of my art career include YoYo Ma visiting my studio, painting live in Chicago, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Philadelphia, creating over 100 murals throughout the country, my work being featured on a Hoffman’s chocolate bar wrapper, and having the opportunity to work with neglected, undervalued communities, bringing them hope and inspiration through my story and my art.
Tell us about yourself:
Fun Fact:
I am the mother of 29-year-old twins.
How Covid-19 has affected your life and has inspired your work:
The isolation that came as a result of Covid-19 has made me appreciate and nurture my relationships more. I was fortunate to stay very busy. As artists, we are always pivoting, evolving, and changing, so when we were forced to do that because of a shutdown, it came naturally and I was ready.
Tell us more about your work:
I knew when I was 5 years old I’d always create, and that I’d be an artist. It’s the one thing, I’ve always been 100 percent sure of. Art is an extension of who I am. I love helping people realize their vision by translating it through my art, and I love inspiring others to take the leap and create themselves.
What are your plans post-pandemic:
I’m working a little more behind the scenes these days. I’ve recently taken a position as a Program Assistant with BFA of Broward, and am getting even more involved with my community. I want to help other artists grow professionally and personally through their art. I’m also becoming more selective about the work I take. I’m fortunate to be very busy. It’s time to do the work that inspires and moves me, not everything that comes my way.
What project/projects are you working on?
I’ll be taking Girl Noticed to Detroit this June, and am always looking at how I can make the project more impactful. You’ll be seeing new murals and artwork popping up around South Florida as well. I’m also working on some commissioned studio pieces, so I’m staying busy!
How do you keep motivated:
Art is exciting! When I wake up and set my intention for the day to connect, inspire, empower, create, etc… I don’t find it difficult to stay motivated. I do stay away from too much tv and social media.
Who is your most admired artist, that has had a positive influence on you?
I admire anyone who puts their energy into creating. Someone who comes to mind that made a difference is the street artist LeBo. When I was just beginning to paint I so admired how he put himself out there and would paint live at concerts and festivals, before that was “a thing”. He would just set up his easel and canvas and go at it. His style was energetic and fun and when I met him he was very gracious and humble. He marketed himself well and was very professional too, all things I find so important when it comes to being successful as an artist.
Where do you go to get inspired?
I like podcasts and Instagram to learn about other artists. Instagram is full of so much visual inspiration. But if I want to be inspired there is nothing like a museum visit. Philadelphia Museum of Art is my favorite. I was just at the Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines and the work they had hanging was phenomenal. Something about the gallery/museum setting, staring at the art, it staring back, gets me every time.
How are you exercising and keeping healthy:
15 steps up the ladder, 15 steps down the ladder, repeat. I’m also dairy-free, gluten-free, and alcohol-free. You’re thinking about what’s left, right? Lol, a healthy body and a clear mind.
An inspiration that you can pass on to others:
Start where you are. You never need to wait for another time, for more money, for more training/education, etc… to start. Then the next day take another step, before you know it you’ll be somewhere, maybe nowhere you planned or expected, but at least you are not still back there waiting for a better time.
Are you doing anything to help others/organizations:
I think I’ve mentioned most of it. One thing I can’t wait to do is work with my special needs kids again. Covid made that kind of outreach difficult, but many organizations are ready to get started again!
Anything else you would like to include:
I think that’s about it. 😊
The works featured here are available for purchase directly through the Artist. The Artist makes 100% of the profit from the sale of the artwork, so this is a great time to support them while enhancing your art collection. The artist will directly pack and ship the product to you.
All works are original and signed by the artist!
For more information on these featured artworks email: Lori at [email protected]
- 703-269-8244