Biography

Early Music Career...

I was born Lora Lee Williams in Jackson, Michigan on August 21, 1961, although Michigan was not to be my home for long. At the age of four, my family started The Williams Family Band, and soon after we were traveling full time throughout the United States and Canada. While making music, singing and playing the drums, performing for audiences in every part of this country, I began to develop an understanding of people, and all the wonderful diverse cultures of our land. I also began to realize the connecting link of music that we all feel. Through my music, I was able to touch the hearts of the young, giving them the opportunity to dream of a life different than their own, and I was able to touch the souls of the older generation by transporting their minds to a place in their younger lives when they were full of energy and a sense of forever. All of this was possible through the words and music of songs.

A pause...

After fourteen years on the road, I settled in Northwest Arkansas, put music on hold, and began my married life. I followed the dreams of my husband, and worked side by side with him in a business that repaired and sold electric motors. After just two short years of marriage, my husband was diagnosed with Crohns disease. Although for years he was able to continue to work, his quality of life reduced each year. During this time I found comfort and fulfillment in discovering a talent for woodcarving. In 1985, I joined Woodcarvers of Northwest Arkansas and participated as an exhibitor, show committee member, and juror's assistant. I was exposed to many forms of wood craft. In 1998 my husband was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and for two years we fought this ruthless cancer. He passed away in August of 2000.

Time To Re-Evaluate...

Following his death, I began to reconsider my life, and the path that I was following. I now understood that life is not always long, and that dreams should not be left undiscovered. I knew immediately that I would return to music, and quickly resumed that part of my life. I changed my name. I started a band called Lady Blues with two other women, all at a point where we were redefining ourselves and our lives. The wonderful world of music became more inspiring than ever to me, as I watched the three of us grow within ourselves, and allow ourselves to express our love of life through songs.

The Journey Is The Reward...

I found love again with a wonderful woman, Luna. Soon after, I followed another life dream. On January 24, 2002 our daughter Haylee Nicole was born, and her adoption became final 10 days later. After her birth, I no longer desired to give the motor business the time and energy that it required. It was time to sell it and allow myself a chance to explore other possibilities.

Throughout my childhood I had benefited from an unusual but enriching life experience education but had no formal schooling other than correspondence courses through the fifth grade. Not willing to be defined, or confined, by the conventional, I ignored my horrible lack of educational background and decided at 43 to go back to school. In January of 2005, I enrolled at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado. As I advanced through each studio art class, alongside traditional and non-traditional students, I began to realize a gift for teaching and at the urging of my professors have focused on obtaining an MFA in order to teach sculpture at the college level. I have studied with many wonderful artists, sculpting in wood, clay, wax (for bronze), and stone.

In June, 2007, we made Portland, Oregon our home. Portland's music and art culture are a perfect fit for me. I continue to pursue my degree at Portland State University, work, sculpt and make music.

Thank you for your interest in my journey so far.....

I have many wonderful people to thank but I especially want to mention the two most influential people in my life: my partner, Luna, and our closest friend, Dale. Without their combined audacity, enthusiasm, and scandalous disregard for the conventional, none of this would have happened. They constantly encourage me to pursue my dreams, remind me daily to believe in myself, and once in a while give me a kick in the pants when I forget that I should!