Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Young.
Lena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a Boston-based artist and an author of nine books. I split my time between the U.S. and China, where I have a private gallery in one of the largest art and cultural villages in the country. I love traveling the world, sharing my art and my experiences with people.
Although I have been painting since the age of 5, it was not until a few years ago that I had the courage to embrace it not just as my life’s passion but as my career. After graduating from Harvard, I delved into the business world, but eventually, my body and mind began falling apart doing something that had no meaning and no purpose for me. It was in these dark moments of despair that I gradually awakened to my true love: painting.
Working with a variety of mixed media including oils and acrylics, my paintings detail the process of my healing journey. On the canvas, I explore the new awareness that I gain and the transformations that occur. Art has given me an opportunity to face my fears and honor my truth. After 20 years of traveling the world learning, searching, and healing, I have finally found the confidence to live authentically.
My art is collected internationally. I have sold over 250 paintings to private collectors and have commissioned artwork for homes, offices, hotels, and education centers. I am grateful to be able to share my story and my work through a variety of publications and media programs, including Self Magazine China, Vogue Taiwan, and Business Today Taiwan.
In 2014, I was featured in Self Magazine China as one of the top ten “Women of the Year” in their “Dare to Shine” campaign. I was invited to share my personal philosophy in which I defined success as one that embodies a happy, healthy, and balanced lifestyle.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has certainly not been a smooth path. It has been a rollercoaster ride of expected challenges and miracles. I am so grateful though for everything that I have gone through because these experiences gave me the strength and courage to breakthrough.
Although I have always loved art, I did not have the confidence to pursue it has my full-time career. In fact, after I graduated from college, I went into the business world, hoping to exceed societal and family expectations. I was working 80 hour weeks in mergers and acquisitions and basically did not have much of a life outside of work.
Eventually, my body began breaking down because I was not honoring my truth. I was born to create, to explore colors, to paint! But I was too uptight, stressed out, and focused on being what I thought everyone else wanted me to be that I ignored my authentic voice. It has been quite a journey to get to where I am today. If you had asked me even three years ago whether I would have any regrets if I were to die tomorrow, I would have said YES! I was not living my own life, pursuing my dreams, and living my passion.
Today, I have no regrets. Yes, the road ahead is scary. The unknown always triggers fears of uncertainty. But through the years, I have learned to trust my own inner wisdom and the power of my soul to guide me along the way. No matter how dark the tunnel ahead may seem, I know now that we all have our own light that will steer us in the right direction. As long as we trust ourselves with unshakable faith, life will take us on an amazing journey.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I believe that art has the power to speak directly to our soul. If we take the time to fully experience and connect to a piece of artwork, it can show us what we need and what our soul is seeking. Through art, I support people on their own journey of self-discovery to awaken their passions, grow their courage, and embrace their truth.
I have found so much joy and freedom through my own personal growth. Painting gave me the opportunity to be myself. Each piece of artwork represents my own healing process as I learned about forgiveness, self-compassion, self-care, gratitude, love, hope, and joy. On the canvas, I explored the possibility of facing my fears, of owning my vulnerabilities and imperfections, of embracing my faults without judgment. My mission is to share my healing journey in hopes of inspiring and empowering others to break through their fears and embrace their authentic voice!
My artwork is an expression of a deep call for healing, for connection, for truth. My exploration has taken me from colorful interpretative landscapes into the realm of abstract expressionism. My art is characterized by movement, rich and vibrant colors, and bold brushstrokes. I invite you to visit my website and see what resonates with you!
Each painting has a different energetic vibration and meaning that can inspire change in your life. I am happy to help you choose the appropriate artwork for you and your space or to co-create a painting with you through a commissioned piece.
To see my art in person, I have an upcoming show on October 18-21, 2018 at the 22nd Annual Boston International Fine Arts Show at The Cyclorama. The show features 40 galleries from the U.S. and Europe and more than 3,000 original works of art. I will be showcasing my new series “Transformation,” so please come visit if you are in town!
I also hold open studios in the South End. For anyone who is interested in stopping by, please call (973-536-2911) or email me (info@lenayoung.com)! I would love to support you as you discover the confidence and freedom to be who you were born to be!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
When I was nine, I attended my first meditation retreat. It was a life-changing experience that laid the foundation for who I am today. It kicked off this quest to find myself, to make sense of the world, to discover my true path. It has been over 20 years since that first retreat. I feel that I have finally reconnected with that girl of nine, and she has finally found her way back home.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $1000 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 1154 Washington Street Boston, MA 02118
- Website: www.lenayoung.com
- Phone: 973-536-2911
- Email: info@lenayoung.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lenayoungart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lenayoungart
Image Credit:
KLK Photography
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