Lori Portka: Painting the Way to Happiness

The Delightful, Joyous Art of Lori Portka

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There are things in life that simply make you smile… welcome to the artwork of Lori Portka, a full-time, self-taught artist who believes it’s her job to spread happiness through the art she creates. Best Self couldn’t agree more. We dare you to peruse this gallery and watch the 100 Grateful Paintings video without cracking a big ‘ol happy grin and feeling something beautiful well up within.

From the moment we first eye-spied the Crazy Sexy Love Notes: Messages from your wise and fabulous inner self, newly released by Kris Carr, we wanted to see more. Collaborating with Kris on this project, Lori gave whimsical, vibrant flight to the powerful written inspirations. The rest was card-deck magic.

Lori’s work exudes hope. It makes you want to get out and run through a field of sunflowers barefoot, pick up a paintbrush, compose a song, or write a poem — she conveys a sense of possibility. But before you start thinking this is a scene from the Sound of Music… there was a time when Lori’s art saved her.

When life hit a roadblock and everything around her felt bleak — heartbroken and defeated, with paint and a blank book in hand, she simply started creating…and creating, and creating. She says that art made with intention to spread love and healing, does exactly that. Lori exemplifies what is possible when you just let go of all that isn’t working and create room for all that is ready to emerge — a passionate career, love, a heartfelt mission… and of course the beautiful healing of self.

Today she runs a successful business created from that healing — her products are uplifting and inspiring — amongst my favorites, are the Grateful Heart Pray Flags, with intentions like: