LIDIA KENIG-SCHER
About | Lidia Kenig-Scher is an award-winning mixed media artist, interior designer and transformational catalyst. Her intuitive works are installed in the homes and businesses of successful entrepreneurs, many of whom claim that the art emits a vibration capable of positively affecting their lives and the interiors where the art is installed. She is also a Certified Feng Shui Master.
Kenig-Scher earned an MSAE degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and a MFA diploma in Sculpture and Higher Education from the National School of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An experienced and well-respected teacher, Lidia was the Curriculum Facilitator for the first Arts Magnet School in Lowell, MA, later adjunct professor in art education at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, MA, and the art director for the Acton, MA and Acton Boxborough Regional Schools, followed by a 30 year career as the owner and principal designer of L.A.S Associates, an interior and architectural firm dedicated to creating optimal commercial and residential interiors guided by Feng Shui principles.
Lidia continues to teach in her studio and local venues, and has penned several articles on Feng Shui, art and art education.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I must have been 9 or 10 years old and was playing in my paternal grandmother’s house when I heard her tell a friend who came over for tea, that I was very talented and had sold a painting to someone. Indeed, I recall that the “buyer” worked in my uncle’s company and paid me $15.00 for the small oil painting!
When did art become a pursuit? When I passed the entrance exam at the National School of Fine Arts Manuel Belgrano in Buenos Aires at the tender age of 12.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? As I mentioned above, I earned the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in painting and art pedagogy at the elementary level at the National School of Fine Arts Manuel Belgrano in Buenos Aires, Argentina and 3 years later I earned a Master’s degree in Sculpture along with a secondary art education diploma from the National School of Art Prilidiano Pueyrredon in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Moonlight Rebirth, Acrylic on canvas
How did you first become involved with CAA? I attended many exhibits and noticed the quality of the work. Several friends encouraged me to apply last year.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I am an appointed commissioner of arts and culture in Arlington, MA, representing the working artists in the town. Three years ago, I also co-founded a now thriving artists’ networking organization boasting 185 members representing all art disciplines.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? Artists are forerunners of thought and catalysts for change and renewal. Through any art expression, we offer an unbounded way to look at life. By inviting people to experience phenomena from diverse viewpoints we assist society in searching for solutions in a vast field of possibility. Artist are the consumate teachers.
No words needed, Mixed media on canvas
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work primarily with acrylics and incorporate other media, depending on my mood. I love to see how bright acrylics resist alcohol and how it interplays with vivid alcohol-based inks. I also like to experiment with mediums that slow down the drying process, or add texture to provide interest or structure to canvas. Adore layering!
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I see art as a vehicle for spiritual and emotional healing. It is transformational for me and my collectors.
My paintings begin after deep meditation followed by physical engagement with the materials and processes. As acrylic paint offers versatility, vibrancy and can easily blend with other media, I can thoughtlessly and joyously play with textures and colors.
My intention is to connect with universal energies-some call it God, Spirit, Gaia, Buddha Field or many other expansive energies in order to bring forth images, colors, textures and shapes that are beyond my everyday experience. I learn with every brush stroke and each completed painting offers me another way to understand what I need to thrive in my life, through post-completion meditation and contemplation.
Those who are attracted to my work sense a connection to this process and in turn, they may learn and grow spiritually and emotionally.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I would have to say that the subject matter chooses me, and I don’t know what it is until the painting is completed and I meditate with the art to understand what is teaching me.
The recurring theme is spiritual growth.
Finding Treasures in the Shadows, Mixed media on canvas
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I don’t have any favorites. Once the art is completed and I learned what is manifested physically through color, shapes and texture, it is ready to be found. I know all my paintings are compositionally excellent and is up to the viewer to find the ones that call them.
What is one of your artistic goals? Everything in the universe has an ever moving and changing energy and vibration. The vibrational field of artworks affect the space and all who behold it, whether viewers are aware or not. I know that the energies I intuitively access reflect peace, harmony, love, compassion, happiness, truth, authenticity and acceptance. They contribute to make a kinder more loving world, one person and one space at a time. That is my artistic goal and my life purpose.
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? I don’t have favorite places to see art. I could go for a walk and find a beautiful piece, or go to the MFA and revisit old masters, or travel and find an out-of-the way gallery to be always surprised by the rare find.
What living artists are you inspired by? I like Yayoi Kusama, Sally Russell, Jana Kapeller, Tsherin Sherpa, and Pema Rinzin, to name a few.
Do you own any art by other artists? If so, what artists? Karen McCarthy, Laurie Bogdan, Clinton Peters Nina Brown, William Stillson, Jana Kapeller, Original Tibetan Tankas, among others.
Do you have any shows coming up? I am working on a solo show for this Summer, and hope that the gallery will reopen. Stay tuned!
SEE MORE FROM LIDIA!
Website: www.lidiascherart.com
Instagram: @Lidiascherart
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lidiascherart