April Artists of the Month--Nancy and Alan Lindenmier

by Nancy Lindenmier
 
We have been with the Commonwheel Artists Co-op since April 2017.
We would like to see people be carried away to a happy place while looking though our scopes.
Each kaleidoscope is decorated differently and depends solely on how the piece speaks to me as it unfolds.
 
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Colorado. My first passion was for watercolors inspired by a tropical scene that hung in my grandmother's house and now hangs in my home. From the time I could pickup a crayon I tried to recreate that picture and have been painting ever since. I've been in numerous juried shows around Colorado over the years. I have dabbled with pottery, raku and jewelry with a fair amount of success, but landed on my real passion by serendipitous chance when on vacation in Arizona.

While we were taking the scenic route between Prescott and Sedona, we stopped in an old copper mining town clinging to the side of a mountain called Jerome, Arizona for Alan to get a cup of coffee. Since I don't drink coffee I crossed the street and discovered an amazing shop called Nellie Bly's. We spent the next three hours fascinated by the glorious, colorful and magical world of kaleidoscopes of all shapes and sizes from one inch to five feet tall. We have taken several classes that have been offered each year since then and have fallen in love with the magic of kaleidoscopes. They are not only beautiful, but fun to make.

We feel that the kaleidoscope promotes healing, decreases stress, helps focus, calms the body and the mind. In the late 1980's and 1990's, teachers reported that hyperactive students that looked through a scope for just two minutes had greater attention spans for up to two hours. Those teachers reported that this simple activity lowered blood pressure, heart rate and excitability levels.   

Basically, if you don't like what you see, a simple turn will bring another wonderful image into view. No two scopes are the same as each has different colors inside or out and each one also enjoys a variety of materials and enhancements that could never be copied exactly. Each kaleidoscope prompts new ideas and creative directions to travel that are as exciting to make as they are to view.

​Currently, we are able to seriously pursue our art and reconnect with the Colorado Springs Art Community. We are enjoying getting involved with other like-minded artists and meeting new people. We are also taking great pleasure in the camaraderie and support from a group that understands the creative process, as well as the fun and challenge of doing something you love.
 
Our work is only available in the Commonwheel Artists Co-op.
 
 
We are currently exploring upcycling items into kaleidoscopes as well as some larger pieces. Here is a photo of the latest scope in the new upcycled series.

Upcycled Kaleidoscope by Nancy and Alan Lindenmier