Hello! My name is Vanessa Lanza. As a Pacific Northwest native, I have a deep, spiritual connection to trees. They are a ubiquitous life-giving presence that help center and ground me. They carry stories, memories and wisdom beyond human comprehension. My artwork is an expression of my love-of-home and my absolute admiration of the trees and landscapes that surround us.
"Arbol" means "tree" in Spanish. My father was born in Argentina and immigrated to the United States as a child. I have spent many years working in and traveling the Spanish speaking world. It was important to me to honor my heritage and family along with the beauty of the place I call home.
All wood that I use in my art pieces are salvaged and sourced locally in the Pacific Northwest. They are trees that have already been felled and discarded. I never cut down a tree; in fact, I like to think that I am preserving the tree's legacy by printing its life story. Each woodcut reveals what that tree has lived through. Much like people, trees are survivors. They have good years and bad. They persevere through traumatic events, and their scars are internalized, healed, and grown over. They are unique, resilient, and beautiful. They grow deep roots that keep them grounded, stable, and connected to other trees in their community.
My artistic process involves using natural elements and locally foraged objects in my work, so that nature is not only the subject of a piece, it also plays an integral role in the creation of it. As a printmaker, this is particularly exciting because there is a direct storytelling aspect to it, as I am allowing natural elements and processes to shape the outcome of a piece.
My hope is that my art will inspire you to join me in honoring, treasuring and protecting our region's most precious natural resources.
Thank you for visiting my website!
Vanessa
Art Exhibitions, Showings and Retail Locations:
Seattle ReStored- Phase 1 Shortlisted Artist 2023
Mini Art Exhibit@ Ghost Gallery- Seattle, WA. December-January 2022
rStorie- Gig Harbor, WA. September 2022- Present
"Carbon" group exhibition @ The Vestibule- Ballard, WA September 2022
West Seattle Art Walk @ Capers - West Seattle, WA August - October 2022
"Pollination Syndrome" group exhibition @Ghost Gallery- Seattle, WA. July 2022
Kent Summer Art Exhibition-(Juried)- Centennial Center Gallery, Kent, WA. June-August 2022
*WINNER OF CITY PURCHASE AWARD
Naturepedic- University Place, WA . May 2022-present
Campfire Coffee- Tacoma, WA. March 2022- Present
Sparkle Barn - Ballard, WA. January - Present
West Seattle Art Walk @ The Flying Apron - West Seattle, WA. January 2022
Botanical Art and Illustration-Online Exhibit @ Las Laguna Art Gallery- Laguna Beach, CA. November 2021
Mini Art Exhibition @ Ghost Gallery - Seattle, WA. November-December 2021
Darlin' of the Moment @ Hey Darlin' Shop - Gig Harbor, WA. October 2021- Present
Solo Exhibit @ Ghost Gallery - Seattle, WA. October 2021
