SAND ANIMATION ARTIST

Hello! I’m Charlene Lanzel… It's been more than 13 years since I launched my sand animation business, back in February 2011, and so much has happened since then.

I've created over 100 custom sand animations for corporate and private clients. I use a light box, sand, and my hands to create fluid emotional stories, synced to a unique musical soundscape. These sand animations are simultaneously projected large screen for live audiences to experience, or filmed in HD for your live or virtual event.

I've done animations for Cirque du Soleil, MTV News, Travel & Leisure, Doodle 4 Google, GE Healthcare, TBS Network and many more. I've performed at amazing venues, like Caesar's Colosseum in Las Vegas, The Fillmore in Philly, The Smithsonian in D.C. and Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC. I've traveled to international locations, like Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Mexico City, Playa Del Carmen, Berlin, Montréal and all over the USA. I've performed at events featuring: Jordin Sparks, Brené Brown, Beau Lotto, Nili Brosch, John Mayer, Wynton Marsalis and The Roots. I’ve also synced my sand animations to the inspirational poetry of Theo Wilson, Denver Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre and others.

It's been a very exciting journey and I'm really looking forward to sharing new things here. So... Stay Tuned! Thanks for visiting. I look forward to creating a custom sand animation just for you.

BASED IN LOS ANGELES, CA

Watch my sand art VIDEOS!

Services

*In April 2022, I launched my very own ethical sand art clothing and product line, bringing my art to the fashion world. My original sand art designs are now being produced on high-end sustainable clothing and accessories. For more information, read this blog: WEAR SAND ART… then visit my Le Galeriste shop. You can find even more products designed with my sand art at Redbubble!

WOW Factor!

Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel is a US based sand animation artist who will pleasantly surprise your guests with her projected sand art storytelling. Charlene creates jaw dropping, one of a kind, live animated images with sand on a light box, synced to a dynamic musical soundscape. Sand animations are created right before your eyes, with irresistible charm. All eyes will be glued to the fluid artwork, shown live on the big screen. Charlene creates a sensory sand experience that goes above and beyond your expectations. The crowd watches with amazement and wonder, as Charlene draws image after image in sand. One scene flows magically into another, which brings positive engagement with your brand. This extremely impressive live sand performance creates an intense crowd reaction with positive excitement. It is a great way for guests to remember your bespoke theme. Guests will be interested and absorbed, and will certainly be talking about this wow factor at your next event! 

Services

Wedding Sand Art

Add special uniqueness to your wedding reception or dinner. Sand animation is a new, different and exciting way to tell your love story...

Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel creates a memorable sand art story just for you, which adds a luxury element to your wedding event. Include portraits and shared experiences drawn in the sand, performed to a custom musical soundscape. Your love story comes alive with this unique live animation!

Charlene offers 3 options for live wedding sand art to suit your budget: Ambient, Combination (or) Bespoke.

1) 10 minute Live AMBIENT WEDDING: This is the most economical option. Charlene performs a love story from her stock animation “Love & Nature” with the characters personalized to look like the wedding couple. (2-3 weeks lead time)

2) 10 minute Live COMBINATION WEDDING: This is a popular option. Choose scenes from Charlene's stock imagery storyboards. Did you meet at the beach, city or countryside? Choose your scenery, choose from personalized wedding scenes, and add a sentiment at the end. (2-3 weeks lead time)

3) Live BESPOKE WEDDING: This is the best option. Use your imagination! Tell your completely customized story in sand with scenes of your choice, including: portraits, beautiful scenes, memorable experiences, and more. At least 7 minutes custom animation is recommended to tell your story. (3+ weeks lead time)

Charlene's sand art can be performed LIVE at your reception or dinner...

and/or

4) a SAND ART VIDEO of an Ambient, Combination (or) Bespoke animation can be created for large screen viewing at the event. An HD digital video file (.mp4) of your sand animation includes a custom musical soundtrack which synchs with the artwork.

Please provide all information for the project at least 2-3 weeks prior to the performance or date needed. A signed contract, along with 50% deposit, are required to hold your date and start your custom project, prior to the 2 week deadline.

Choose a sand color to match your wedding theme! 

PICK (1) COLOR: B/W, Gold, Cocoa, Red, Pink, Cran, Purple, Blue, Aqua or Green…

Reserve Charlene today for your wedding video or event!

Lightworker

I am a Lightworker… and I’m on a mission to brighten your world.

I devote myself to being a bright and shining, unique flavor of light. I work for the purpose of the greater good, keeping the highest interest of all beings in mind. I embody light, peace and truth to uplift humanity with a compassionate heart.

My desire is to produce positive messages, spread wisdom and warm people’s spirits. I hope to usher in a wave of positivity, love and joy. I reach out into dark corners to gain perspective, then dig through the shadows to help find inner light. 

The sand artist’s light box dream world gives us an incredible opportunity for growth and learning, to manifest positive changes and to shine light on new ideas. 

Light is an ever changing and mysterious medium. It is energy, a wave, a pulse and a spectrum. It is invisible, yet makes everything visible. Light has the power to change our perceptions, creating focus while supporting activity. Light helps the world heal and transform. 

Raise the vibration of the planet by being a conduit of light. Embody your authenticity. Use your thoughts to create a positive reality that makes a shining statement. 

Add light to your world!

Services

Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel

Canvas Rebel INTERVIEW

Canvas Rebel Interview: Meet Charlene Lanzel

“…can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?”

Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel

SHOUTOUT LA Interview 2

A new SHOUTOUT LA interview!

“Hi Charlene, how has your work-life balance changed over time?”

Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel

Little Snowhite - Lofi Sand Art Fairytale

Here's a new sand art story I've just released on YouTube... I've been working on this for a long, long time (over 5 years), and I hope you enjoy it. Not only did I create the illustrations in sand, but this is also my first attempt at creating the music that syncs with the sand art, as well!

These illustrations are just a preview... I'm still learning the animation.

I'm currently looking for venues to perform this sand animation live. If you know of a good venue for me to perform this animation, let me know in the comment section below.

"Little Snowhite" is based on the original Grimm's fairytale "Sneewittchen", which was first recorded by the brothers Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm in 1812. The timeless story is thought to have been based on the life of Margarete von Waldeck, a German countess born to Philip IV in 1533. She was forced to run away to Brussels, where she fell in love with a prince, who would later become Phillip II of Spain... Once upon a time. Fairytales are written for adults, with the intention that they should be shown to children, to teach them about the unfortunate evils of the world.

Read more about Sand Art STORYTELLING!

Voyage LA Magazine Interview

There’s a little article about me in Voyage LA Magazine…

Voyage LA Magazine

The Endangered Monarch Butterfly

Metamorphosis by Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel

Original Soundscape by Charlene Lanzel and Barrett Cobb (flute & vocals)

On July 21st, 2022 the migratory Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was added to the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, as Endangered. Monarchs are threatened by pesticides and herbicides, as well as urban development, deforestation and climate change, which are killing off the native milkweed plants that monarch larvae need to survive. The western population is at greatest risk, having declined by about 99.9% since the 1980’s.

In North America, millions of monarchs tackle the longest migration of any insect species. After wintering in Mexico they head north, breeding along the way. Their offspring reach southern Canada, where they then begin the long trip back to Mexico at summer’s end.

Humans are largely to blame for the monarch’s decline. People have been coming together to protect this butterfly and its habitat. Unfortunately, well-intentioned gardeners are putting more stress on declining monarch populations by planting the wrong species of milkweed, the plant that monarchs lay their eggs on. Many gardeners are planting an exotic tropical species that grows year-round, when they should actually be planting the native species (Asclepias incarnata) that dies off each season. This causes monarchs to forgo migration, and that is a very big problem for the species.

Save The Monarchs!

SHOUTOUT LA Interview 1

An interview with Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel…

“Hi Charlene, what role has risk played in your life or career?”

SHOUTOUT LA

Sand Art Logo Animation

Your logo is the first thing people see when they come into contact with your brand. If you’re savvy, you already know that videos should be a part of your marketing strategy. Spice up your promotions by using a sand animation logo!

Your logo creates brand awareness and a more memorable image in your customer’s mind. With the use of a sand animation, your logo comes to life through motion, color and sound. Your animated logo will create a unique impression in your customer’s mind. A sand animation logo has a better chance of an emotional connection with your ideal audience, capturing and keeping their attention.

Use an animated sand art logo on your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages! It’s a great attention-grabber that’s sure to make your followers stop and pay attention.