Skaneateles, NY's Claudia Lambdin has a unique approach to the art she creates. She calls it “Ahj-nae” deliberately spelling it the way it sounds to make it easier to communicate.
For anyone wishing to get a glimpse of where art comes from, the opening of her show, “Rooted in Dreams” at Gallery 54, August 3 from 5 to 8 pm, is a great place to begin looking. You'll find a broad selection of the ancient art of collage on display and Lambdin will be there to explore not only her dream-like creations but where she believes they come from. Perhaps even more enticing is her ability and willingness to help guests at this show opening explore the dramatically colorful pieces she has created.
She selected “Ahj-nae Collage by Claudia” as the name for her business because it means “the third eye or the gate that leads to one's inner realm or space of consciousness,” says Lambdin who has been creating art since she was in high school. Though she only re-engaged with the art of collage last fall, after raising a family, she's done so with a dramatic verve, creating some 130 collage pictures already.
Her love for collage “is rooted in its ability to take many different colors, shapes, and patterns and mix them into something unique,” she says. “A side benefit,” she notes as a recycler, “is its ability to reuse old books and magazine rather than relegating them to a landfill.”
When Claudia is creating a new collage she freely allows distractions by others. “This way,” says Lambdin, “I'm able to let my soul put it all together. It's kind of like looking at a dream when I'm done and I often have an 'ah-ha' moment as I recognize things within my work that I wasn't even conscious of creating.” She associates the experience as like when we sometimes see something during our day that reminds us of a piece of a recent dream. She is anxious to be able to look at her art with other people, encouraging them to look, listen, and “maybe they too will have an “ah-ha” moment,” she adds.
Lambdin's formal training comes from the Historical Society of Early American Decoration, a national group dedicated to documenting and preserving the historical arts.
Chris Molloy will entertain with his blue electric harp and Gallery 54 will provide light refreshments and wine.
Gallery 54 is situated at 54 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles.
Regular gallery hours are 10 am to 5 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday.
The gallery also offers an online store at www.Gallery54CNY.net
