Recently I had the chance to sit down and chat with the lovely artist/model Lori Benson. She’s quite beautiful, yes, but Benson is also an extremely talented artist whose work has been sold to galleries, nightclubs, and private collectors worldwide. Her official Web site, LoriBenson.com, is loaded with images of her artwork, sexy modeling shots, behind-the-scenes photos of gallery openings and parties, info on the artist, and art for purchase.
Tripp Daniels: How would you describe your style as an artist?
Lori Benson: I like to think of my art as one-third Andy Warhol, two-thirds sex and a splash of MTV.
TD: Do you remember the first time you posed nude for the camera?
LB: Yes, it was not the most comfortable thing to do, but like anything else it got easier with time. I did not like my image at first. It took me a while to figure out how to pose. Now I love to be photographed in my studio.
TD: You’ve made quite a name for yourself as a glamour model and dancer. At what point did you start to pursue a career in the business of erotic art/photography?
LB: I always had a love for the arts. I was born in Miami Beach and surrounded by photography and art, and always wanted to get involved at some level. About four years ago I started to take my images that I shot in my studio and create artwork from them. Along with some marketing and a little luck, things started to take off for me.
| <?PHP print Create_Archive_Image_Tag('<% Content_ID %>', "lori.jpg", "", " alt=\"\" border=\"1\""); ?> |
| Click here for gallery. |
LB: I use my image in many of the pieces I create, I think it gives me a unique eccentric twist on my artwork, where ‘the art is the artist and the artist is the art.’
TD: Who or what are some of your influences as an artist?
LB: I love the use of color and also the look of retro pieces, that’s why Andy Warhol is a big influence on my work and me. I think if Andy was alive today, he would get a kick out of my work and the way I market it.
TD: Have you always been interested in this union between sexuality and art?
LB: Well, like they say ‘sex sells.’ I didn’t make the rules, I just knew by using sexy images it would give me a chance of success in this business. Art is very subjective and using my sexuality as a woman is part of my art. Society views me as a sexual object, so my art is just a reflection of how I’m viewed by people.
TD: Do you still model or do you only pose in conjunction with your own artwork?
LB: At this point I just use my image for my artwork. I think of a concept and shoot it in my studio, then pick the images from the shoot that inspire me most and create art from them. I would model if the right situation came along.
TD: How long has LoriBenson.com been on the Net?
LB: My Web site has been up for five years now.
TD: Do you handle the day-to-day operations of your site?
LB: Yes, I try to keep as much control over my Web site and my studio as possible, but as my company grows this gets harder each day. I have three employees and several freelance people that work for me.
TD: Do you think it’s important for artists like yourself to have an Internet presence?
LB: I think the Internet is the reason I’m doing as well as I am. It has given artists like me a whole new audience. Before, artists had to rely on gallery shows and special events; now anyone, any time can see your work all around the world.
TD: Any plans forthcoming with the look and design of the Web site?
LB: I’m always trying to think of ways to better my Web site. My artwork is very colorful and some of the pieces are as large as seven feet, so when viewing them on the Web they never look as good as they do in person.
TD: You’ve achieved so much already, but are there other goals and ambitions you’re working on presently?
LB: I have had many offers for many different projects and at this point I’m trying to pick and choose the projects that fit my goals best. Just keep an eye on me to see what happens next.
TD: You have a lot of images of your dogs on the site. Where did this love of Yorkshire Terriers come from?
LB: They are my children. Ask any animal lover and they will tell you the same. I love Yorkies and will always have one in my family.
TD: You just struck a deal with Spearmint Rhino where they’ll use your art/photography in their clubs worldwide. You must be excited.
LB: Yes, I’m very excited and flattered by Spearmint Rhino wanting to use my art and photography for their clubs. [Spearmint Rhino’s] John Gray has been more than a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to working with John and his clubs in the future.
TD: Do you have any advice for aspiring models/businesswomen?
LB: Nothing that has not already been said a thousand times before. Believe in yourself, have a plan, and never give up.
TD: Here’s a popular question I always ask the ladies: Describe the underwear you have on right now.
LB: I love the g-string, lacy kind of look. As long as I can get away with wearing them I will.
TD: Describe yourself in three words.
LB: Determined, dedicated, and consistent.
TD: What type of guy do you go for?
LB: Very hard question. We must have chemistry with each other and then take it from there. I do like taller guys than me, but I’m only five-four, so that’s not too hard to find.
TD: It’s 11:30 p.m. on a Saturday night – where are you and what are you doing?
LB: I’m either at home with my dogs resting in bed or out at a nightclub or event trying to market my artwork. I spend much of my time on the road to promote my art, and myself but I understand it’s the price you pay.
TD: Tell me a newspaper headline you’d like to read about yourself one day.
LB: Artist Lori Benson is being recognized for her contribution to the art world, and will be doing a worldwide exhibit of her work.
