LORI MCMAHON
At the age of 3, growing up in Iowa, I remember making drawings for my parents feeling they were special gifts to make and share. Later, when visiting museums during high school field trips, my eyes were opened to the enriched and complex connections between the arts, cultures, politics, religion, and societies interpreted by artists. I then decided to study art in college. I earned a Bachelor of Art Education degree concentrating in drawing and printmaking while also studying painting, ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry. Mid-career I earned a Masters in Business Administration— the blend of creative and business problem-solving has served me well.
I have recently began working full-time in the studio as part of my rich journey involving teaching art in public schools, leading arts and non-profits organizations, and teaching art, art education, and arts administration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I eventually transitioned from teaching to business administration while at the University and served as Associate Provost for ten years. The good life continues.
My husband, Tim, has been a full-time professional artist for many years. We’ve recently relocated to Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, to re-establish our studios and be inspired by the natural beauty of the mountains and valleys of Virginia.
When we are not in the studio, we enjoy being with our children and grandchildren who live in Tega Cay, South Carolina, Washington, DC, and Portland, Oregon. We have found many new friends while exploring our ‘new’ neighborhoods of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, and living in a scenic mountain home nestled next door to the Washington National Forest.
TIM MCMAHON
I was born in Waterloo, Iowa in 1954. I was educated at the University of Iowa and The University of Northern Iowa. I have over 30 graduate hours mostly in ceramics, however I have always considered myself a painter. I taught for 24.5 years in Iowa. I continually worked at painting, drawing, printmaking and ceramics, filled several portfolios, sold thousands of pots, but I did not exhibit. In December of 2001 my first wife of 24 years died after a prolonged illness.
I was hired in 2002 to teach at Hopewell High School in Huntersville, NC. I remarried, to one of my former students, moved to Charlotte because of her and I have returned to the studio in earnest. Since January of 2003 I have painted, first with acrylics then with oils, the landscapes and figures that inspire me.
Tim McMahon talks about his work, inspiration and his response to the western landscape in this video portrait.
After 76 semesters (38 years) I retired from teaching Art in the public schools in two states. Although I enjoyed working with young people, almost 4 decades of public service is enough. I intend to spend my remaining days painting, writing, traveling, hiking and spending time with our children and grandchildren.