Fire and Water

Like many people, I am fascinated by small and fleeting phenomena. Snow crystals on the window pane, the textures of water as it flows over pebbles in a crystal-clear stream, patterns of foam at seaside or patterns in licks of hearthflame--fleeting moments of nature, the elements in their changing forms, whose shape, texture, and shimmer evoke elemental and eternal things beyond our ability to comprehend. Science may illuminate the mechanism, but not the mystery, of nature's cycles. This painting is acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, 24 x 36 inches. Please visit www.lyndalehmann.com if you would like to see more of my work! Image and text c 2007 Lynda Lehmann.

IN PRAISE OF PROCESS

Back in the 60s, I read the humanist psychologists. Seems they all talked about one kind of process or another. The process of learning, the process of rebelling, the process of creating, the process of loving. I read Abraham Maslow, Karl Rogers, Alan Watts, Rollo May, to name a few. There were so many, I can't remember them. No matter what their particular slant, the emphasis in those years seemed to be on either "Being" or "Becoming." At the tender age of 19 or 20, I knew I was nowhere near the mark. All the concepts made sense, but it was intellectual sense, not the kind that resonates deep inside.

Now, many decades later, I look back in awe at how much "Becoming" I missed. Living in the suburbs, raising a child and participating in all the cooperative functions that mostly mothers ran, even while they juggled jobs, homemaking and child-rearing, had its satisfactions. But my creativity was relegated to the sidelines of my experience, for sure.

I always wrote during the toddler nap years, and through nursery school, as well. During the elementary and later years of our daughter's schooling I penned four novels and a bunch of stories--mostly soft, sociological science fiction for young adults. So I always played around with ideas, and have two of four novels that I hold dear because they embrace my deepest values. The other two novels were fun but were more "entertainment" than value-driven. I finally gave up writing to pursue my art, which had for years been on the back burner even though I took an occasional painting class at the local art league, to keep my hand in it. One day I may pick up those manuscripts and send them out again. But right now I'll "settle" for the art. For me, both art and writing are consuming processes that require total commitment, and I'm not one of those people who can do everything. I'm not willing to sacrifice quality (or what I perceive as quality) for quantity.

I find that now, at my seasoned age, I have the time and wherewithal to devote myself to creative process. Finally, it is a process, and I'm grasping the "Being-ness" that everyone was talking about in the 60s. In the past year, I have fallen in love with painting. I could eat and sleep, walk and talk, painting. As a matter of fact, I awaken with too many ideas to get up and make notes on, for fear that my adrenaline will then keep me up all night.

The process has taken over and finally, it's not being truncated by other concerns. I'm still delinquent on gardening and as domestically challenged as ever, but I don't mind defaulting on some of those obligations. And if dinner is late, well, everyone knows where the frig is.

It's not as if I don't have any problems. I do, like every other human being. But the overriding feeling, as I delve more and more into the feel and character of the paint, is bliss. I feel so fortunate to be experiencing this joy. One thing leads to another--each image calls for a dozen or a thousand variations. The bounty is overwhelming, the color and rhythm and flow of it the most satisfying experience I have had in this life. I thank the powers that be for this creative impulse that is at once a joy and a burden. But if I have to have a burden, creativity is the burden I want.

The only real difference between then and now, is that I finally have continuity, the time to BE in the experience. I have process. Thank goodness for process.

Text and Photo c 2007 Lynda Lehmann. Please visit www.lyndalehmann.com to see more of my art or read some of my ideas about art. You can purchase "Straight to Heaven" at my site.

WATER TAPESTRY

I took this shot of multi-colored leaves and pine needles scattered on the dark lake surface, in the Sebago Lake region of Maine. Autumn was approaching and the leaves had just started to turn. The first ones had already fallen. I cropped and adjusted this image in Photoshop, and only slightly tweaked the beautiful colors of the leaves. Nature never ceases to amaze and inspire me!


"Water Tapestry" was accepted into "The Art of Digital Imagery," the Center for Fine Art Photography show in Fort Collins, CO, this June. Only 50 out of 300 images were chosen for the show. The exhibit will also be posted online, and I'll post the link when it's available.


"Water Tapestry" is my best-selling photographic print! To see more of my work, please visit http://www.lyndalehmann.com/, where I have hundreds of images to chose from. Image c Lynda Lehmann.

The Forest Floor in Autumn

For me, this painting evokes the sweet, damp air of the woods in autumn, when the forest floor is vibrant with the litter of fallen leaves layered over moss and lichen--a panoply of rich colors, odors, and textures.

In advance of its inevitable slide into winter, Earth yields her bounty, which you can smell in the air and feel underfoot. And the sweet musk in the twilit air of the autumn afternoon speaks at once, of both decay and regeneration.

Some of the most interesting life forms lurk in the quiet, hidden places guarded by tree roots and boulders. There the emerald moss spreads, unnoticed, and fungi branch in their own design and designated life song.

Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, 30 x 40 inches. Text and image c 2007 Lynda Lehmann.

Available at www.lyndalehmann.com

Heat In the Afternoon

This is a row house in Pennsylvania, looking lurid with shades drawn against the glare of a hot summer afternoon. When I saw it, with those shades and curtains drawn, I imagined something illicit going on inside. I painted this from a b&w photo I took, but the heat of the afternoon and the way things were all closed up, suggested these colors to me. It was my way of expressing the scene. This painting is done in watercolor on Arches paper, 11 x 15 inches. It's framed to 16 x 22 inches, in a gold metal frame. Image c Lynda Lehmann.

Please come visit my site at www.lyndalehmann.com, if you'd like to view more of my art! My site features abstract painting and digital art, and photography with a variety of subject matter.

Art World Project for Children in Need

Art World Project is a collective effort inviting artists from all nations to contribute an artwork or two to a great cause: earning money for three major children’s charities. Seven huge panels will exhibit over 50,000 works of art from all over the world!

You can submit either a JPG alone or the digital file AND the original work--your choice--to be included.
The site has all the details, including the identities of the founders, the name of the trustee, the timeline, the charities that will receive the funding, etc. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a contribution to a great cause and be part of a global statement in support of needy children. Here’s the link: http://www.artworldproject.com

This painting, which I call "Flower Songs," is the work I chose to submit to the project. I'm donating reproduction rights for this image. I chose it because I thought the bold forms and bright colors would appeal to children.

Awards from My Blogging Friends

THIS PAGE IS INCOMPLETE. I NEED TO LINK TO YOU AND ADD TEXT, BUT IT'S GOING TO TAKE A LITTLE TIME. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME. I LOVE YOU ALL.

From Cindy

From Cindy

From Kim

From Max

From Colin

From Kim

From Kathy at KML

From Mary Anne

From Kim, who got it from Colin

Given to me by Jesie Blog Journey

Given to me by Mary Ann

Given to me by Kim

Given to me by Max

Given to me by Shinade

Given to me by Mary Ann.

Given to me by Hanna

Given to me by Koty and Kriz on the same day!

From Bob

I will be adding your page links here, as time permits! :)

Now, to get rid of that "fairy" GIF someone sent me, that obviously has exe. code in it, because it kept replicating itself all over this page! :(

My Group and Solo Exhibitions

CURRENT SHOWS:

"Nature Close and Far" - Photographs capturing some of nature's beauty, at Urban Coffee in Greenlawn, NY. Approximate dates June 20 through September, 2010.

PAST SHOWS:

February, 2010 - I'm pleased to be one of the Showcase Winners for February at the ArtSlant site, for "Untitled Gray," in the "abstract" category.

February, 2009 - "Metrimorphic III" featured new abstract paintings combining biomorphic and geometric elements, Harborfields Library, Greenlawn, NY. Due to time constraints I will not be hosting an Opening Reception for this show.

February, 2008 - PERIPHERAL VISION - Solo Show, Alfred Van Loen Gallery, South Huntington, New York.

December, 2007 - Invited by jury to Florence Biennale.

Winter, 2007 - Medial 2 Art Biennial Group Show (Online).

October 20 - November 14, 2007 - D’Arts 2007 Festival, Arthouse Veszprém, Hungary.

June, 2007 - Center for Fine Art Photography Juried Show.

December, 2006 - Jeannie Tengelsen Gallery, Art League of Long Island, Group Show.

October-December, 2006 - Random Acts of Art, Group Show in Northport, NY

December, 2005 - Period Gallery Spiritual VIII - Special Recognition Award for "Hope Springs Eternal."

October, 2005 - Period Gallery Color III International Juried Exhibition.

August, 2005 - Period Gallery Digital/Experimental V Juried Exhibition.

May, 2005 - Alfred Van Loen Gallery, Group Show.

April, 2005 - Period Gallery Landscape VII - Special Recognition Award for "Existence of Cacti."

Feb., 2005 - Period Gallery Photographic Process VII - Special Recognition Award for "Waiting."

June, 2004 - Northport Historical Society & Museum, Northport Artists Annual Juried Show.

Spring, 2004 - Smithtown Township Arts Council Juried Show.

April, 2003 - Limner Gallery, Manhattan Accepted to Spring Salon 2003. A bout of breast cancer made it impossible to attend.

June, 2002 - Northport Historical Society and Museum, Northport Artists Annual Juried Show.

Spring, 2001 - Northport Historical Society and Museum, Northport Artists Annual Juried Show.

April, 2001 - Harborfields Public Library - Solo Exhibition.

May, 1987 - Gallery, Unitarian Fellowship of Huntington - Solo Exhibition, Poster Designs.

Winter, 1986 - Union Savings Bank - Solo Exhibition.

Spring, 1986 - Huntington Public Library - Solo Exhibition.

Winter, 1986 - Heckscher Museum, Huntington, NY - Juried Exhibit, Huntington Township Art League.

Spring, 1981 - Solo photo show in Huntington Camera.

MY LINKS & FAVORITE ARTISTS' SITES

LINKS TO MY SITES and ARTICLES
My Gallery at Fine Art America
IMAGEKIND - Buy My Art Here, Framed or Unframed!
ARTIST RISING - Buy Posters of My Art Here!

My AbsoluteArts Gallery - Prints and Original Paintings Available
My INTERVIEW at Creativity Portal

Perspectives on Art - My ARTICLES at Creativity Portal

My Quotes at Painters Keys
My Work at Saatchi Gallery

Mindsights by Lynda Lehmann - My Second Blog


ART and PHOTO BLOGS and SITES

A "Focus" in the Wild
A Painting a Day by Veronica Escudero
Amori, Poesie, Arte, Chat by Hanna
Art Market Blog with Nicholas Forrest
Art Matters
Art Sweet
Artist's Magazine Blog
Bruce Price
Don Archer Digital Art Blog
Dreamwork Digitals
Drinking the Moon
Drozda's Art Life
Eithiriel
Fossforous
Heart-A-Day
Izabella and Nikolay Pavlushko
Jelaine Faunce Studio
Joyas De Mar
L W Godsil's Jadis Jewelry
Laketrees
Lisa Call Contemporary Textile Art

magic worlds through the lens
Mansco Style
Mindsights by Lynda Lehmann
Modern Art Quotes
My Camera World
My Only Photo
Naked in Eden Blog - Robin Easton
Nature Shows and Dreams
New Art TV - Artist Videos, Interviews, Exhibits
Nikolay Semyonov
Rarindra Prakarsa Photography
Rebecca Bridges Photography
Tattered Saints
The Art of Révész Éva Gabriella
The Colorist
The Green Fingered Photographer
Today's Photo
Vignettes
Worldwide Women Artists

ART and PHOTOGRAPHY RESOURCES

A Singular Creation
Art Biz Blog
Art Market Blog
Art Network
Art World Project for Children's Charities
Chris Dunmire's Creative Slush
Creativity Portal
Digital Photography School
Empty Easel
GFX Artist - For Digital Art Lovers
Love Earth
Modern Art Quotes
New Art T.V.
Painter's Keys
Photo Attorney
Photojojo!
Photoshop Essentials
Saatchi Gallery
The Art Law Blog

MORE EXCITING SITES

Ah Woman
Blackholes and Astrostuff
BlogEclectic
Jesie Blog Journey
Journey of a Spirited Strider
KNOWLEDGE WEB
Life
Margaret and Helen
Maryannaville
MAX
Merging Point
Musings from Aotearoa
My View of It
Positive Communication
The Max Files
The Painted Veil
The Turn of the Tide
This Time This Space

BLOGGING RESOURCES

Bad Neighborhood
BIG BANG
Blogger Buster
Blogging Basics 101
Blogging Sueblimely
Mad Tomato
One Cool Site - Wordpress Blogging Tips
Online Public Relations
Sajithmr.Com
Technically Easy
The Ad Master
Directory for Blogs

WWAO GROUP BLOG

Sites for Writers

A Writer's Rites

Language 4 You
Rob's Megaphone
The View from Here
The Writer's Roadmap
Words, Words, Words ... A Writer's Journey

ENVIRONMENT and PEACE

Art Cries Out Blog
Art Cries Out Protest-Art Site
Center for Defense Information
Dogwood Initiative
Fight Global Warming
GLOBAL INCIDENT MAP - Check It Out!
Green Blog
Green Chemistry
Natural Resources Defense Council
Nature Conservancy
NRDC Action Fund
NRDC Save Biogems Site
Rainforest Web
Sierra Club
The Global Warming Site
The NoNuker
The Oceana Network
Union of Concerned Scientists

Inner Glow

I like to find the mystery in everyday things, like the architecture of flowers. This blossom seems to glow from within. C.S. Lewis, in his writings, talked about the experience of the "numinous," those lucid, peak moments when we see something that fills us with a sense of wonder and awe that can leave us speechless. Often, all we can manage to mutter at these times is "Wow...," because we have a sense that words are inadequate to describe what we are seeing or even how we feel about it.

Since the universal perception and pursuit of beauty cannot be explained by our biological needs like the activities of grooming, food-getting, staking territory, or procreating can, perhaps there is some other reason for it. I can't understand why there should be so much indescribable beauty in the world, and in the oddest places or most unexpected moments, if it is not intended by a higher power to lead us towards transcendence.

Journey

I took this photograph, which I named "Journey," in upstate New York, near Saugerties. I love how the tall trees make the figure look so tiny. They are overwhelming yet they seem to mark a path, or give guidance. We're all wanderers in a way. The artist in particular, has the courage to make an uncertain but very special journey. I hope these quotes will inspire you.

"Art is creative for the sake of realization, not for amusement: for transfiguration, not for the sake of play. It is the quest of our self that drives us along the eternal and never-ending journey we must all make." - Max Beckmann


"Painting is a journey. It is the way I mark my path through life." - Virginia Cobb

"A philosophy of life: I'm an adventurer, looking for treasure.” - Paulo Coelho


"If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone else's." - Joseph Campbell


"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Art and Power: How Making Art Empowers Us

Like most people, I'm fascinated by questions about the nature of life and our place in the cosmos. As a human being, I feel all the ageless and timeless doubts of the human condition. But there's one thing I know for certain: doing art lifts me above doubt and despair and gives me joy. Being involved in creative process has helped me to say "yes" to life. In my own creativity and in other's, as well, I see glimpses of something wonderful. It's what I like to think of as "the infinite potential of the universe." It manifests in all of us, especially when we create.

For me, the activity of creating art is an affirmation of life. Experiencing "the grand mystery" gives us a feeling of joy, based on the miracle of form and the complex web of life on our planet.

Here's a short article I wrote for my blog on Absolute Arts, that was later published at Creativity Portal and in a catalog for a large artist's exhibition in India. It addresses the idea of how art gives us power over ourselves.

ART and POWER

I think most of us would agree that producing art gives us power. I see it as a power over ourselves, as opposed to power over what is outside of ourselves. It is a personal power over our own energy, perception, and motivational systems. And perhaps more important, the making of art helps us transcend the need to achieve a social equilibrium (which in my opinion, is rarely possible anyway). Instead, we are involved in a process by which we may achieve a degree of harmony within ourselves, in relation to the universe. In the dynamic state of being committed to a creative process, we do not need to steal anyone's energy, or let them steal energy from us.

The truth wears six billion faces, each with different life circumstances, a different life script, and a different mode of emotional being. For me, doing art takes me to a place from which I can accept all scripts and embrace the subjective and relative nature of truth. (This is not to imply that morality is relative, however, because murder and extortion are always wrong, no matter whose script dictates it.)

Because my own script, when involved in creative process, is so engaging to me, always varied and full of mystery, it teaches me both tolerance and hope. The bounty of creative options available to me, gives me confidence in the infinite potential of the universe, for hope, harmony, and healing. In short, it gives me joy.

I have heard it said that artists, in doing art, are participating in a God-like creation process, and indeed it is true. While we are by no means transmuted into gods by making art, we at least become his humble hand-maidens. We see glimpses of beauty and wonder in places where other people may fail to look, unearthing it at every turn. We see new relationships, both visual and metaphoric, sociological and scientific. It becomes easier for us to step back or undercut the tendency to power struggles, that so often consumes people. (The last thing we need in this weary world is more conflict, personal or generalized, to spew hatred around the globe!)

I have heard it said, also, that we artists make art in order to find love and to be loved. I think the apex of this is that in the tender connections we make to the universe, we find some degree of self-love. I think this is a balanced form of self-love that perceives the relative and tenuous nature of things, including the subjective nature of our own lives. Therefore, in my opinion, it is a mature self-love, not to be confused with narcissism. •

All text © 2006 Lynda Lehmann