Speaking with Loki (low-key) Anthony releases all the endorphins. His soothing, happy, upbeat demeanor flows into his artwork. “LOVE IS KEY”!
By Amy Karmmann
Please give me a little background on Loki, the person:
I was born in New Rochelle, NY and spent my childhood in New York City. I’m the eldest of six children (three boys, three girls). We moved to Hudson around 1988, and I graduated from Hudson High School (graduating in ’92). I got married to Bianca Anthony in ’98 and we had our first son the same year. My wife and I share the same birthday, 4th of July, and we got married on that day. I joined the U.S. Air Force in ’99 and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom & Enduring Freedom. My first base was in Northern Italy, and my second base was in Charleston, South Carolina. I was honorably discharged in ’05. We now have three children – Michael Jr., Lily Grace, and Matteo.
How did your love of design begin?
I’ve been an Artist since I was four-years-old. I got exposed to fashion through family members, like my father who was very stylish, and my mother who had a very bohemian style and used to take me to thrift stores to find deals on vintage and unique clothing when I was very young. I learned to hand sew when I was a teenager. Once I got to high school, I started to combine my art and unique style together to create my own looks. Eventually, my peers wanted to get art done on their clothing as well and I started doing fashion commissions while still in school.
Do you feel your artwork is therapeutic?
Art has definitely been like therapy for me ever since I was little and experienced serious trauma in my personal life. My military experience did both, helped and hindered. I’ve learned to understand that trauma (PTSD) and loss of personal identity are a part of life both in and out of the military. It helped because I was able to do some creative projects while serving. It hindered because creative freedom was not part of military life. I’m still waiting for the day when I’ve recovered enough from what I went through while serving, to be ready to do art that actually reflects those experiences.
What are your favorite art mediums to use and why?
I love combining current clothing design and fabric paint art together because it’s a very sustainable approach to fashion.
I noticed you have used the term substrate in our earlier conversations. Can you describe what the term means? Do you design on other substrates or just clothing?
Substrate is the material you are placing the art on. I design on clothing, hats, shoes, and other accessories. I also use furniture as a substrate, such as coffee tables and upholstery – sofas and chairs for example. I got the inspiration to start designing on furniture while upgrading my mother’s furniture awhile back.
Who/what inspires you and your work?
There are many things that inspire me, from family members, nature, and my life experiences in the city, upstate and in the military. The first and most important being, LOVE. My mantra and motto is “Love Is Key”, and it’s also what LOKI stands for.
Why upcycled clothing?
I learned at an early age to focus on using what has already been created and give it your own spin instead of sourcing new. Fashion has been infamous for being devastatingly wasteful to our environment.
How do you acquire the clothing to design?
I usually source my clothing from various thrift stores, donations from friends, or given to me by my clients to be redone.
Can people donate clothing to you?
I don’t take random donations, but if I’m working on a project, I’m open to getting specific pieces donated.
Do you do custom orders?
My business is predominantly custom orders, “DTC” (direct to client). Each piece is very different. I would say approximately 1-2 weeks is the turnaround time I give to clients.
Does your family help with any of the process?
My wife is my design partner, and my children have actually modeled for a few of my projects and shows. They are a big part of what inspires me to continue my business instead of it being a hobby. I consider my business a legacy project for my family.
How long have you been doing this?
I started my Wearable Art Design business in 1992
Where can people purchase your creations?
I don’t have many ready-made creations for sale, but I do have samples of my work to order from if someone is interested in contacting me. My studio is located inside Lightforms Art Center, so people can call the gallery or contact me through my email address: loki3designz@gmail.com
What are your future goals with Loki Designz?
I’d like to relaunch my website with my art designs in print on a variety of clothing and accessories. My first fashion line designed from scratch using “dead stock” material.
How do you feel your designs give back to the community and/or environment?
Almost every fashion show I’ve done over the years, has been a part of a charity event to support local organizations and causes. My biggest show so far was NYFW Feb ’20, in which we were supporting the victims of the Australian brush fires.
You can check out Loki’s creations and his upcoming events on social media:
Facebook: Loki Designz
https://www.facebook.com/lokidesignz
Instagram: loki_the_designer
Loki Anthony | Loki Designz
https://lokidesignz.business.site/
See Loki’s current exhibit at Lightforms – showing until mid January, 2023
Lightforms Art Center
743 Columbia St Hudson, NY (518) 822-1003