Meet Charlene Lanzel | Sand Animation Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlene Lanzel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlene, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Something I discovered, after starting my sand animation business, was that I needed to create a balance between working and taking time off to recover. In the beginning, I was taking almost every job that was offered to me. After awhile, I was really burnt out, exhausted and moody. I came to realize that taking a little time off between gigs was necessary to keep my creative juices flowing. Making money is great, but not at the expense of your physical and mental health. I like to get a massage, or go to the spa after each project is complete. A little treat for all of the hard work I’ve put in.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is created using a light box, sand and my hands. This is known as sand animation. It is a live storytelling performance, which is projected large screen for audiences to experience. I create drawings in the sand that are constantly shifting, changing and morphing into new scenes. Each performance is synced to a special dynamic soundscape, which enhances the mood. Sand animation has an extraordinary effect on the audience. This art form makes life and time flow by, magically, before your eyes. Drawings are in perpetual transformation which excite the imagination and allow abrupt changes of tone and unexpected images. All eyes are glued to the big screen. It is a great way for guests to remember an event’s theme. Old and young watch and listen together in harmony, because they share the same emotions. A visual language is created that can even transcend linguistic barriers.

Sand animation is a very difficult art form. I spent about a year teaching myself. It was not easy. I almost gave up… but a small voice inside of me kept pushing me forward, to believe that I could do it. I would close my eyes and picture myself up on stage performing. First, I had to learn to work with the sand, which tends to have a mind of it’s own. Often, the sand will dictate how something can be drawn, and how it can change from scene to scene. Next, I had to learn to create a soundscape which syncs to the artwork. There is a lot of back-and-forth in the creative process, between the artwork and the music, until a balance is achieved. I practice the animation, over and over, until every detail is memorized.

Sometimes I perform the animations live at events, and at other times I create videos. The live performance is the fun part for me. It is the reward for all of the hard work I’ve put into the animation. I’ve even gotten standing ovations, which is such an amazing feeling, especially for a visual artist like me. Typically, we are working alone in our studios, with little to no reward. It feels so good for all of that hard work to be appreciated. I spend about 2-3 weeks creating each new animation, usually performed only once! It is a very special experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I spend the majority of my time working alone in my studio, so, I like to spend my free time outdoors in nature. I really love the Descanso Gardens, The Huntington Botanical Gardens and the beautiful Exposition Park Rose Garden. If I’m craving a beach day, I head to Malibu Pointe Dume.

When I want to get some artistic inspiration, I walk over to Jeffery Deitch Gallery. They always have very interesting contemporary art shows.

I like to have brunch at Off Vine for a beautifully romantic and relaxing afternoon, or Superba for great bread and people watching.

Occasionally, I have dinner at Formosa Cafe in Hollywood for great ambiance and a glass of bubbly rosé. The DJ is great at Club Constellation, which is every 3rd Saturday of the month in the back room. I love to dance, and they play great 60’s R&B classics.

When I’m feeling exhausted after a gig, I love to relax with a massage and body scrub at Beverly Hot Springs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is a book that I read, many years ago, that stays with me. It is called, “Art & Fear” by David Bayles & Ted Orland. The book contains their observations on the perils and rewards of art making. One of the many great thoughts in that book was that even the most amazing and famous artists doubt themselves from time to time. I have to constantly remind myself of that. We all have fears which we must strive to overcome. As an artist progresses, there will always be new challenges to face, and obstacles to tackle. Just keep going!

Website: www.sand-artist.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlene_lanzel/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charlenelanzel

Twitter: www.twitter.com/charlenelanzel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SandArtistCharleneLanzel

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/CharleneLanzel/videos

Image Credits
Photos provided by Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel