HAPPINESS

What makes you happy?

 I was contacted by an Art curator earlier this week and invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled "Happiness." The exhibit explores questions such as; What makes one truly happy? Where does one look for happiness? Is it associated with material gratification for some or does lie deeper within personal values for others?

This topic really had me thinking about what is truly at the root of my inspiration behind my photography & art, where do my own values lie and what are my own sources of happiness? 
These are fully loaded questions. So, to help me narrow it down a bit, I came up with three questions that I then asked myself. My questions & answers are below.

1. What are 5 of your core personal values? (Core values are guiding principles of your life that help you determine your behavior, words and actions)
Commitment, Empathy, Vitality, Adventure, Sincerity & Vision!

2. What makes you genuinely happy? (Closely aligned with core values)
Art, beauty, warmth, the ocean, beach and tropical climates, being outdoors and in nature - especially El Yunque Rainforest, culture, community and a sense of connectivity and belonging, travel, exploration, expressing, children and of course, CREATING!

3. If money were no object, how would you live your life differently?
I would leave New York, head to Puerto Rico and build an art studio & home nestled somewhere high up in El Yunque.
Question number three, resonated with me the most. I realized this is an aspiration I've had since childhood; making it that much more authentic.

Taking the time to answer these questions helped me better understand why I choose to photograph and paint the images I do. I'm strongly influenced by the environment I'm in. There's a deep connectivity I have to the island. Puerto Rico has so much natural beauty, a rich, multifaceted history and of course, cultura. So, naturally, I feel almost always compelled to capture and celebrate it visually. 

Now, it's your turn. I'm excited to know what truly makes you happy? 
E-mail me HERE and share your answers or just reply to this e-mail.  I'd love to hear from you! 

Viejo San Juan, PR by Lena del Sol Langaigne

Inspiration / "KIOSKOS DE PIÑONES"

The Piñones kioskos in the township of Loiza, are a much loved attraction for tourists and a number of residents of Puerto Rico itself. Piñones is approximately 10 miles away from Viejo San Juan along Route 187. Piñones means "Pine Forest", an appropriate name as there's an abundance of lagoons and mangrove forest not yet too disturbed by excessive tourism and commerciality readily seen in nearby Carolina and San Juan. It's beautiful, pristine beaches, makes it a prime location for tourists, families and those in search of a taste of authentic Puerto Rico. 
 

Much of the inspiration behind my artwork of Puerto Rico comes from a fairly simplistic place; a deep love and appreciation for unobstructed, natural beauty. When I hike and shoot in El Yunque Rainforest, it's virtually impossible to not marvel at its beauty. 

It's all about the COLORS...
 

Scientific evidence has proven that various colors have a very specific effect on our emotions and therefore; our emotional responsivity. The colors of buildings, homes and various structures frequently seen throughout Puerto Rico are the colors that are most closely associated with feelings of excitement (reds), peace and tranquility (Blues), a sense of calming (greens) and exhilaration (yellows). 

I'm immensely visual and deeply affected by my environment and surroundings.

I adore beauty in its most organic form, which is what Puerto Rico is to me. It's renewal. It's reviving and above all; inspiring..
 

"KIOSKOS DE PIÑONES" by Lena del Sol Langaigne (Click HERE for info & pricing)

"KIOSKOS DE PIÑONES" by Lena del Sol Langaigne (Click here for info & pricing)

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Loiza Festival in el Barrio - July 2015

On July 25 - 27th the annual "Loiza Festival en el Barrio" Presented by Los Hermanos Fraternos de Loiza and Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute took place on 105th Street in Spanish Harlem. There were tons of wonderful performances, Bomba y Plena, cultura, musica, art, good food and great energy. This year, the festival honored the Survivors and was held in rememberance of the Victims of the 116th Street explosion that occurred in East Harlem in February 2014 while paying homage to the Elders within the community and with special presentations dedicated especially to them. 

We had a great time and sold A LOT of art and photography of Puerto Rico! I loved engaging and conversing with each and every one of my customers. Each one was so unique, jovial and had stories to tell! Thank you for the upbeat energy and the many kind words about my art, I'm so grateful. Videos, pictures and MUCH more from the Festival can be seen on the Lena del Sol Art & Wall Decor FACEBOOK page.

Lastly, I was VERY happy to have finally had the opportunity to meet "La Bruja" (Caridad La Luz). A talented, Bronx-bred, Puerto Rican songstress, performer, poet and activist.

If you've never heard of her, check out her bio on IMDB here. Needless to say, her energy was immensely kind, warm and welcoming. More pictures of the Loiza Festival can be found on the Lena del Sol Art & Wall Decor FACEBOOK page.

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