Meet Loren King, November’s featured artist
As part of our ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, we are featuring a different CE artist and logo every month of 2023! Read more about our 40th anniversary and our featured artists ▸
Loren King holding one of his ‘brain maps’
If you’ve walked by Creativity Explored’s vibrant studio and gallery on 16th Street, chances are you’ve seen Loren King’s cheery sidewalk sign inviting passersby inside to see the magic.
A wizard of whimsy, a beacon of joy, a tender artist guided by his intrinsic belief in the importance of friendship and community: Loren is at the heart and soul of Creativity Explored.
One of CE’s most venerable artists, Loren has been coming to the studio since 1988. Born in Stockton, California, Loren says he has been making art for a long, long time. Teaching artist Gilles Combet has worked with Loren for over 20 years, specifically on his digital art, and notes that practicing at the studio every day for years has been hugely influential on Loren.
"I'm a great artist,” says Loren King.
To discuss Loren and his art, one must begin with his distinctive, expressive style—thin, loose lines and whimsical figures that look as if they stepped out of a daydream. His subjects span a wide spectrum—characters like CE staff, himself and his girlfriend Nita Hicks, birds, scorpions, flowers, trees, and a myriad of animals. These drawings are a labor of love, and reflect his conscientious approach to each piece.
“There’s a freshness, a sweetness to his work.”
Versatility and an exploratory spirit are characteristic of Loren's practice. Drawing with pencils and markers, painting in both large and small formats, making digital art with Photoshop, and creating wood cutouts are just a few facets of his creative repertoire.
Vintage photo of Pauline Phillips and Loren King
In a transformative phase, Loren embraced the abstract with his ‘brain maps,’ a departure from his figurative works filled with bright colors and animals. Initially teaming up with former Artist-in-Residence Julia Goodman in 2015, Loren delved into the intricate process of paper-making and produced several unique ‘brain maps.’
These pieces offered a glimpse into Loren’s perspective on the neural landscapes of people he encountered everyday. Looking forward, Loren has expressed a desire to try sculpting with clay. This openness to new mediums is indicative of Loren’s evolving creativity and his tendency towards discovery and growth.
“He’s a really sensitive guy,” Gilles says. “He’s tender, he’s a very sweet man.”
“Remember: I used to be called Dr. Love.”
Loren has a love for connecting with people that extends beyond his art. He is a sensitive and loving person, qualities that are intricately woven into his works and that he brings to every interaction. Loren doesn’t just create art; he crafts connections, forming friendships easily with staff, volunteers, and anyone willing to share a laugh or two. His ability to convey tenderness through his work resonates deeply with his admirers, creating a unique bond between the artist and his audience.
In the studio, showing his artwork to visitors is not just a source of pride for Loren; it's a joyous moment. He’s always excited to step away from his work to flip through his prints with a newcomer.
Loren in the studio with Teaching Artist Gilles Combet and Ricardo Estella (left, center), and Loren with his girlfriend Nita Hicks
The relationship Loren is most proud of is with his “honey,” girlfriend and fellow artist Nita Hicks. Most days, Nita and Loren work side-by-side in the studio. Many of his pieces feature the smiling couple, often holding hands. They’ve known each other since their school days, and spend their extra time walking or drinking coffee or tea at the bench across the street.
“My favorite thing is coming to CE and draw. All the teachers is friendly and I like to make some money and buy coffee from my sweatheart Nita.”
Vintage photo of Loren King with Peter Cordova
Spending time with Nita, joking around with his favorite teachers, and coming to the center every day reflect a life deeply connected to his creative process. Loren's art is not just a hobby; it's a way of life. On the rare occasion Loren isn’t at the studio making art, he likes to watch movies.
"I work my butt off," Loren chuckles. “I want to come to [Creativity Explored] everyday.”
Loren has exhibited widely in the Bay Area, having participated in dozens of shows at the Creativity Explored gallery, the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, and other venues across San Francisco. For many years, King produced large-scale portraits on plywood cutouts using acrylic paints. Many of these popular pieces were exhibited at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and in a solo show at Dalva. A sign lovingly painted by Loren also adorns Creativity Explored’s annual holiday pop-up at the Ferry Building.
“When I sell a piece, I get money honey!”
In a world sometimes too serious, Loren and his work are a welcome burst of whimsy and color. His artistic journey is a narrative of passion, tenderness, and human connection, and reminds us that art is not just about the final product, but about the joy, laughter, and connections from the creative process.
