We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Charlene Lanzel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Charlene below.

Charlene, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

“Do it right the first time.”

I worked for many years as a mural painter at one of the top companies in New York City. Time is money, so we were encouraged to work quickly, trying to get projects done as fast as possible. Mistakes were inevitably made as we rushed around the studio. Paint was spilled and the wrong colors were used. People started working before we even had a clear idea of what needed to be done. The studio became disorganized, and materials were very hard to find. Often, we would re-purchase materials that we already had. Fixing these mistakes always added time and money onto the project. This became a real problem. Eventually, a sign was posted stating, “Do it right the first time.” It is important to be organized, so that the materials you want to use can be found quickly and easily. Have all of the information for the project before you begin. Everyone working together on a project should be informed of what’s needed for the task. Take the time to work smarter, not harder. This will actually save a lot of time and money.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I had a terrible accident back in 2001. I was painting, on a scaffolding, and accidentally turned my face into the side of a moving industrial ceiling fan. My face was all smashed up and I had to have reconstructive surgery. My brain had been rattled a little… but something opened up in my mind. I had some time on my hands while recovering, so, I thought it would be a good idea to start studying Buddhism, which I had been curious about for some time. I then became interested in Tibetan sand mandalas. I realized that something was different about my brain. I started to be able to make different kinds of connections. I then heard of something called Acquired Savant Syndrome, a rare syndrome which happens to people with head injuries. I believed that this had happened to me….

Soon after the accident, I saw a video by a Hungarian sand animation artist on YouTube, and chills went up my spine. In my mind, I could see myself up there performing. Many years later, in 2010, an acquaintance mentioned that this type of sand art was something desirable for events. I immediately started building my sand box and spent a year teaching myself sand animation. I believe the accident enabled me with the skills to do this very advanced art form. The new connections in my brain gave me the ability to work with both hands and much more. And because sand art is a meditative, impermanent art form, it was a way for me to integrate my work with my spiritual practice.

After a year of struggling to learn sand animation, I put my first video up on YouTube in February 2011. A week later, I was hired by Cirque du Soleil for the after show party they had for their Zarkana show. My sand animation career just took off after that, and I’ve been working as a sand artist ever since.

Sand animation is a form of live storytelling, using hands on a light box with sand. Storytelling engages audiences to remember, and invites an empathetic experience by imagining fresh possibilities. The practice of attentiveness can lead to a respect for all life, and to value interconnection. As a way to pass knowledge, sand art storytelling plays an important roll in the reasoning process and in convincing others.

I’ve created over 100 custom sand animations for corporate and private clients. I create fluid story illustrations for large audiences, with an overhead camera instantaneously projecting onto a large screen for audiences to watch in real time. A video camera is positioned above my illuminated glass sand table. Sand scattered on the light box is formed and reformed into ever changing shapes and images. It is very beautiful to look at, but lasts only in the moment. Life and time flow by, right in front of your eyes! Watching a sand animation come to life has an extraordinary effect on the audience. Each performance is choreographed, rehearsed and synced to a special dramatic soundscape, which enhances the mood. Music accompanies the entire process as my hands draw to the rhythm. A visual language is created that transcends linguistic barriers. Old and young can watch and listen together, and all is in harmony, because they share the same emotions.

Sand animation videos are a refreshing way to tell a story at a live outdoor event or a virtual meeting. A video of a custom sand animation can be created in HD for large screen viewing at corporate events, dinner parties, art events, weddings, trade shows or virtual events. I’ve also created many music videos.

Sand animation is an advanced art form which requires a huge amount of time, hard work, focus, patience and practice. It requires drawing skills, an understanding of shadow & light, a dancer’s flow and coordination, and a steady hand. It may not come easily. There will be a lot of trial, error and mistakes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from them!

Being a professional artist is not an easy path. It requires focus, hard work and determination. It’s not for everyone. It’s for someone with an entrepreneurial mind, as well as a good skill set. I started out as a window display artist and through that I began painting murals. I’ve done fine art paintings and shown my work in galleries. I’ve worked for jewelry designers, and made my own jewelry as well. I have also worked as a sign painter and a street painter. It’s important to be flexible and to be aware of trends.

In April 2022, I launched my very own ethical sand art clothing and product line, bringing my art to the fashion world. My original sand art designs are now being produced on high-end sustainable clothing and accessories, available through my website.

Sand animation has been a very exciting journey for me. I’m really looking forward to creating more custom sand animations for live events. The powerful impact of sand animation is indescribable. Adding special uniqueness to any event, sand animation is almost unbelievable. It is a very different and exciting way to communicate a message. Sand storytelling comes alive in this imaginative poetic expression.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I wish non-creatives would stop telling professional artists to “Get a real job.” Making art IS A REAL JOB, and it only makes you look ridiculous and uneducated to say this to someone who has spent their entire life working on their craft. I, personally, did not choose art… Art chose me! It is what I’m best at, and a positive contribution to society. Without art, your life would be very drab. Art defines history. Art touches every part of your life, whether you realize it or not. If you don’t understand that, you should keep your opinions to yourself. After all, what IS a real job anyway? What is REAL? Is your job real? Do you have to hate your job for it to be real? We are all on a different journey. Have respect for others, even if you don’t understand them or what they decide to do for a living.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To best support artists and creatives, society needs to stop buying mass produced products and give more attention to small businesses. Go to your friend’s art opening. Purchase a painting from a local artist. Buy a handmade product from your sister’s Etsy shop. Hire a sand artist for your next event! The money that living artists make goes directly back into communities, and that is good for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sand-artist.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlene_lanzel/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SandArtistCharleneLanzel
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charlenelanzel
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/charlenelanzel
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/CharleneLanzel/videos

Image Credits
Photos provided by Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel