Special Guest Lynda McKinney Lambert – Visual Artist – InSights 20

/ Marcia Meara

 

It is my great pleasure to introduce a very Special Guest today. Please help me welcome visual artist Lynda McKinney Lambert back to The Write Stuff. Lynda is going to tell us in her own words (and poetry) about her amazing and beautiful work as a visual artist, and how she accomplishes this with seriously compromised vision. I think you’ll be inspired by what determination and a positive attitude can accomplish, so without further ado, please tell us your latest news, Lynda!

UPDATE: Lynda’s beautiful beadwork tied for first place in the Crafts Division of the Insights 20 international art website found HERE. Please check out her finished work after you read her post. It’s absolutely marvelous! Congratulations, Lynda!! 

~~~

Hi, Marcia! Thanks for having me here today. The InSights 20 is an international art exhibition held each year in Louisville, KY, by the American Printing House for the Blind. The show opens on October 7 – online this year due to restrictions caused by the pandemic.

The artwork will be on the separate InSights Art website,  located HERE.  This website will be open at 8:00am, October 7, which is the first day of APH’s Annual Meeting, of which the InSights Art exhibit and Awards are part.

All artists in this annual exhibition have sight loss. I have “profound sight loss,” but I can do my intricate work by using technologies for the blind. In my case, I use an Acrobat Closed Circuit TV.  I will attach a photo of how this looks as I am working. 

Using this CC T V, I am able to see colors and objects, which I cannot see without such magnification.  My husband, Bob, helps me initially by pulling the colors of beads I want to use for the project.  This is my palette that I work from.

I can only work with one tiny bead at a time and use only one colour at a time on my desk.  This keeps me organized so that I don’t get the beads confused since I cannot see them without the equipment.

Marcia, I wrote a poem that describes how I create a talisman and the thought process that takes place as I work.

“A Talisman”
by Lynda McKinney Lambert

Visualize a talisman-
precious stones and crystals
woven in bold patterns
plenty of Japanese glass seed beads
tiny drops of perfect symmetry.

I select flawless beads
stab them onto steel needles
hundreds of stitches
thrust them one at a time
upwards into the heavens
endlessly.

I plunge my thin needle
deep through layers of stiff cloth
make my stitches sure
hold tight.

I’m a warrior woman
thumping my spirit-drum
made of dappled starlight.

I measure timeless days
counting beads in
a mystical circle
held together
with a bronze toggle clasp.

A Talisman brings
protection from evil
healing for weary spirits
nourishment for aching bodies
courage for new directions
on a pilgrimage
over treacherous pathways
guides my dimmed eyes
and nervous steps.

Black onyx ovals
are like a vintage fan
unfurled with a flourish
or a sacred victory flag
prepared to cast an invocation.

my fingers stroke cold stones
glossy-smooth, polished, faceted.
gifts for a King.

______

A Talisman – August 2, 2020
Written by Lynda McKinney Lambert
Copyright August 2, 2020. All rights reserved.

~~~


Visual Artist and  Author Lynda McKinney Lambert

I am a visual artist and hold the BFA and MFA degrees in painting. I also write and have 4 books on Amazon at this time – I have the MA degree in English. I’m a retired university professor of fine arts and humanities (Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA)  and I retired in 2008 after sudden and permanent sight loss.

My MISSION STATEMENT

  • I am the keeper of memories. I distill and share them  through  art and writing.
  • I reveal what is forgotten, lost, or unseen.
  • I write  spare poems and thoughtful personal essays.
  • I create art with  brilliant colors &  precious materials, one stitch at a time.

~~~

“I can see why this (talisman)  captured first place. It captures the exact discipline of  the oriental master. Every stitch exact. Every stitch with a meaning. Every stitch with history behind it.  Bravo.”  ~  Leonard Tuchyner,  A Journey to Elsewhere: Poetry Through the Seasons of Life. 

“Throughout this book (Star Signs: New and Selected Poems, DLD Books, 2019) of poems , these gems of poetic creation shimmer like beads on her fabric art, like bold brush strokes on her prize-winning piece of mixed-media  fiber artwork,  It seems this entire collection is like a multifaceted  mural.”   ~  Wesley D. Sims, Taste of Change

“Lambert notices the colors and sounds that surround us., those odes that barely register through our buds and pads, and windshields , and she names them for us and she remembers them for us.” ~  Russell Streur, Editor, Plum Tree Tavern Literary Magazine

~~~

My thanks to you, Lynda, for sharing your story and your art with us today. I know others have found this as interesting and inspiring as I have. Folks, I encourage you to click on the link to InSights Art and check out Lynda’s work and that of other visually compromised artists. And if you’ve enjoyed learning about Lynda and her process for creating her beautiful beadwork, please let her know at one of the links below. Also be sure to check out her books of poetry, as well. You’ll be glad you did! 🙂

You can reach Lynda online here:
E-mail: riverwoman@zoominternet.net 
My website: http://www.lyndalambert.com
My Authors Page at DLD Books:  http://www.dldbooks.com/lyndalambert/

Lynda’s  Books Are Also Available on Amazon.com

Star Signs: New and Selected Poems by [Lynda Lambert]

Star Signs Available on Amazon HERE

Walking by Inner Vision: Stories & Poems by [Lynda McKinney Lambert]

Walking By Inner Vision Available on Amazon HERE

 

 

71 thoughts on “Special Guest Lynda McKinney Lambert – Visual Artist – InSights 20”

      • Jessica, you are an inspiration to ME and so encouraging. I really appreciated your comment. Please do visit the link to the InSights20 show, so you can see all the other artists who have won awards in each category. I am just one of the many people who are making art and want to make the world a more beautiful place regardless of challenges that we all have. ❤

        And, a special note of gratitude to Marcia for featuring me today. It was so nice to share my poem and my artwork with each of you.

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply

        • So happy to see you here, Lynda, and hope everyone will follow the link to check out all the wonderful art. The wooden bowl that tied with you for first place is fantastic, too. All these artists deserve recognition, for sure, and it was my pleasure to share your story, your poem, and your visual art today! 🙂 ❤

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply

          • I think I can speak for all of the artist and say that we anticipate this show all year long. We send our work off to the fury process and we anxiously await the results. I am so honored to participate with everyone in this show and I deeply appreciate what APH has done for all of us. This show gives us encouragement and something remarkable to work towards. Thank you for your visit.

            Liked by 2 people

            Reply

    • Thank you, Harmony! It’s people like Lynda who remind me of all the beauty and goodness in this world, something today’s insanity tends to make us forget about. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’ll check out Lynda’s work (and that of other artists with profound sight loss) on the links above. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      • I don’t think anyone who visits today will forget your story and your creative work, Lynda. It’s so beautiful and so very uplifting to see you ignoring obstacles in order to follow your artistic dreams. Just lovely! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply

        • Marcia, thank you for the support you have for me and the opportunity to share what I do with the readers. Each person who has work in this show is a winner – a born winner. We have all adapted and struggled to find how we could make art – because it makes us happy to see how others love what we do. This is such a good program for the arts.

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply

    • Isn’t that closed circuit tv amazing? And what a gift to someone with such profound sight loss. I love that it gives her back at least some of what’s been damaged so she can do her fantastic beadwork! Hope you’ll check out the links to the art exhibit. I’m going to do so myself, shortly. Been waiting for it to go live. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by today, Priscilla! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Yes, Priscilla, without my computer and my Acrobat CCTV, I would not be able to do any of the work I do.
      Technologies for the Blind enable us to fully express our imagery in art in many ways. The same holds true for my writing projects. The wonderful thing is that losing my sight opened the door for me to have the time for writing and making art full-time. When I do a poetry presentation for a group, I cannot see my own book to read anything to the audience. Yet, I can stand there very confident, and deliver a program with the help of my invisible technology – While I LISTEN to my poem through my earbud – I am reciting it to my audience. Now, that is really exciting, isn’t it.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      • Oh, what wonderful advances technology can make, especially for those who have to face the world from an altered perspective. I’m so happy you are able to use these hi-tech things to do your work and to “read” your poetry to audiences. What a wonderful thing! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

    • My pleasure, Craig. Isn’t it nice to read something so inspirational now and then, especially these days? Hope you’ll stop by for a look at the art exhibit now that the links are live.

      Thanks for visiting today! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • You are always welcome here, Lynda, and I do hope you’ll visit again in the future, any time you wish, but especially when you have extra special good news like winning prizes for your work. That’s always fun to share with folks! Thanks for being here today! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  6. Marcia, you have done such a nice job of presenting my work and my story! It was so nice to see the replies that have been posted – and yes, I do feel like I have made some new friends. I am now, going to go visit the show on-line, which I have not yet done. So, I will get to see the winning pieces in all the categories and even find out who I share the first-place award with. This is all so exciting today! Thank you from my heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks, Lynda, but it was my pleasure to share your news and your art. And the work of art you share 1st place with is stunning, too, I might add! Just amazing! (I’ve used that word way too much today, but it really IS.)

      It has been wonderful having you here today, and I’m sure we will be getting more comments over the next couple of days. Thanks so much for letting us celebrate your art with you, Lynda! And you are welcome back any time! 🙂 ❤

      Like

      Reply

    • I agree, Denise. There are no obstacles to the human spirit unless we allow them to be there. We can still find ways to soar, and Lynda’s a perfect example of that! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Yes, D. L. we just have to figure out new ways of thinking about it sometimes. I have to say that when I attended the in-residence program at the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation School in Pittsburgh, PA, it gave me the tools I needed to begin building my life again. I needed a lot of rehabilitation! This is true for all of us, we need to find help to make changes when such big challenges come our way. Thanks.

      Like

      Reply

    • So glad you enjoyed the post, Diana! I’m blown away by what she does, and the way she has found to work around any difficulties. So wonderful, and it brings home the point that most of the obstacles in our paths can be overcome if we work to find a way. If you got a chance to click on the link I added in the Update at the top, it’ll take you right to some of the winners in the exhibition, and they are all fabulous!

      Thanks for stopping by, Diana! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

        • I am in really good company with the award winners at the Craft section of the InSights20 exhibition. I wanted to give a special shout-out to Rob Guillen who is the coordinator of this show each year. He writes the blurbs that appear with the art pieces and you can certainly see he is wearing his Art Historian Hat when he does this for us. I always love to see how he interprets the artworks – it gives us all further insight into our work from a new perspective. I also wanted to say that my poem, “The Talisman,” has been published as a voice recording in the October issue of _Newsreel_ and that is a monthly magazine that is a recording of articles – all by people who are blind and visually impaired. I recorded my poem for the magazine! Such a privilege to share my poem with everyone in this way, too, because it describes how I created the piece and how I am thinking as I am at work in the creative process. Thank you all for your wonderful support – and yes, Marcia, I will be back again for sure. Thank you!

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

      • Thank you for your kind words. I love what I do and I love to share the beautiful gemstones, beads, found objects and other elements of my beadwork. I never know when I begin what the piece will turn out to be. I just work one tiny stitch and one shining bead at a time. For me, writing a poem and making art is all the same thing – it all is something I make for the sheer pleasure of the feeling of happiness in it.

        Like

        Reply

    • I agree.

      It’s why I have her in my magazine each month.

      She adds such wonder to its pages.

      Patty L. Fletcher

      Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant

      Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com

      Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .

      Food For Thought

      We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.

      -John-Roger, DSS

      Source: New Day Herald website

      Like

      Reply

      • It is an honor to have my work appearing in literary magazines and I deeply appreciate your support, Patty and Marcia. Right now, I am one week into the _50 Days of Seed Faith Blessings Challenge – and each day brings new surprises and opportunities.

        Like

        Reply

        • Good morning Lynda.

          Sounds like an Essay in the making.

          Patty L. Fletcher

          Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant

          Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com

          Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .

          Food For Thought

          We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.

          -John-Roger, DSS

          Source: New Day Herald website

          Like

          Reply

          • I am keeping notes of the days as they come and go – made a special file for this purpose for the 50 day challenge. And, I am going to my studio this afternoon to begin a new series – I’ve been neglecting my art for a few months due to gardening, house remodeling, and writing. Time to go up to the studio, pick up my fabric, beads, needles, and begin to work on my Winter Series.

            Like

            Reply

    • It absolutely does, Suzanne. I just loved seeing what she’s done, and knowing that there are people out there who won’t be kept from creating their art and doing what they love. I’m so glad to have Lynda here today, and I thank you for taking a minute to say hello. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • I was so pleased to see the other winners in this show. I loved the wonderful turned wood bowl that also got first place award – we shared the honor of first place and this artist’s work is truly stunning. Each of the artists has a story of victory over prejudices, challenges, and disappointments – all are remarkable and I am proud to stand with them in this show.

      Like

      Reply

    • Hello Suzanne, I am so happy you could view this show. I am with good company. the other artists have created truly inspired and stunning art works. I miss not being able to see the show in person and mingle with the other artists of all ages who come to meet everyone. This show is a first class presentation thanks to Rob Guillen and his staff at APH.

      Like

      Reply

  13. I love your work, Lynda – both the beauty of your talismans and the poem that describes so well the emotion and spirituality they inspire in you. I can’t imagine the impact that suddenly losing your sight must have had on you but you’ve turned a personal tragedy into a beautiful, quite stunning creativity. Kudos!

    Like

    Reply

    • How nice to read your thoughtful comment this evening, alexcraigie.
      I had Ischemic Optic Neuropathy – there is no warning, and nothing could have prevented it and nothing can be done once it strikes. It is almost instantaneous – I woke up with sight loss and thought I was just tired from working so much. The important thing for me to let people know is that no matter what happens, there is rehabilitation for the sight loss issues that may happen. It took me about 5 months to find this out – but once I did, I wanted everything that can be taught so I could move on and recreate my life. What seemed like the worst possible thing that could happen to me, turned into a new way of living and doors that opened that I never could have imagined. I appreciate your comments – thank you!

      Like

      Reply

  14. Good afternoon, Lynda, Marcia and all.
    This is an incredible post which I’ll be sharing soon.
    Lynda is a Friend and Client of mine and I’m so proud of her.
    She was on my podcast not long ago and if anyone would like to hear that please write to either Lynda or me and we can send the link.
    I didn’t want to put it here but please do let me know.
    I can send it via dropbox or you can have a direct link.
    My podcast is available several places so it’s easy to hear.
    Lynda what an amazing lady you are.
    Keep up that good work.

    Like

    Reply

    • thank you Patty for the reminder about the podcast – it was very enjoyable to do with you.
      I’ll let the folks here know that if they want to listen – they can hear me presenting 2 poems from each of my 4 books during the hour-long podcast. It was really a fun one to do – Lynda

      Like

      Reply

      • Yesterday I got a comment in my dropbox folder where your podcast is stored from someone who had found it on my website rather than the BuzzFeed site and they described it as a Buffay for the soul which I thought was a beautiful thing for them to have said.

        Like

        Reply

  17. Pingback: Autumn Gift + a Poem – Lynda McKinney Lambert

      • Good morning Marcia and All.

        Marcia I’d like to extend to you one more thank you for doing such an amazing interview with Lynda.

        Lynda is a brightly shining star in the world of Art and Writing.

        I’d like to say thank you to all the Wonderful Readers for reading and commenting.

        As a marketer many times I see promotions where there is no engagement and so this does my heart good.

        That having been said, Marcia I hope you’ll get in touch with me. I’d like to have you as a guest on my Podcast.

        To All Readers, if any of you out there are looking for Free Easy and Fun ways to promote yourselves get in touch to be a guest on my show.

        Thanks again and have a great day.

        Patty L. Fletcher

        Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant

        Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com

        Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .

        Food For Thought

        We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.

        -John-Roger, DSS

        Source: New Day Herald website

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        • Thank you so much for your kind comments, Patty, and for the invitation to be a guest on your podcast. I will definitely think about that, though believe it or not–as much as I like speaking to a group–I get very nervous when I’m being recorded. (Like many folks, I hate how I sound and how I look, so I can get pretty uncomfortable.) I promise I’ll consider it, though, as I know how important this tool can be for getting the word out. I bet you’ll get some takers, though, and I wish them well. And I promise I’ll get in touch with you if I decide to give it a go!

          Thanks again!

          Like

          Reply

      • Good morning Wes, Lynda and All.

        Wes I love what you wrote about Lynda’s book. So absolutely right on for it.

        Patty L. Fletcher

        Self-Published Author and Social Media Promotional Assistant

        Email: patty.volunteer1@gmail.com

        Website: http://www.campbellsworld.wordpress.com/ .

        Food For Thought

        We all are the Light, automatically. So we really don’t have to go too much further than that. We all have a Light within us – it is the Soul; it is that spark of God, of the Divine, that activates our consciousness.

        -John-Roger, DSS

        Source: New Day Herald website

        Like

        Reply

  20. Lynda has been a huge inspiration to me, with her positive outlook and perseverance, especially through this time of uncertainty. She sees color and light in our world while those with clearer vision focus on the bleakness.
    Thank you, Lynda, for being my favorite poet, for taking me on journeys back to Europe and opening my eyes to the beauty of my hometown.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • A lovely (and truthful) comment on Lynda, Sandi. I’m so glad you enjoy her work and take inspiration from her positive outlook. She’s truly a beautiful person! Thanks for stopping by today, too! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    • Sandi, what a nice surprise for me this morning to find you lovely message of encouragement. You have been such a great supporter of my writing and I truly appreciate that so much. For those who do not know us personally, I want to say that Sandi and I live in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania – in the westerns part – we live in The Village of Wurtemburg. Though we both travel and have seen many gorgeous places in the world, the Village of Wurtemburg is the place we call “HOME.” Thank you so much, Sandi.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  21. Pingback: From author and artist Lynda McKinney Lambert: The Write Stuff – featuring ME #Advertising #Author’sCorner #Interview #WordPressWednesday | Campbells World

  22. Pingback: Gifts of the Spirit – HOPE – Gifts of the Spirit Blog

Looking forward to hearing what YOU think! NOTE: If in doubt about leaving comments on this blog, please read the privacy statement in the menu at the top of the page.