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Kim S. MacKenzie (PhD) is an Australian Artist-Author-Philosopher and the founder of LANTERN LANE Studio Publishing. She has used soft pastels on cotton paper for over 33 years to create a large body of highly original semi-abstract artworks which are used to create unique and inspirational 'higher art' books, designed to engage the mind and spirit on a deeply profound level. With a life-long interest in human nature, mysticism, and metaphysics, her creative radar seeks to discover, fathom, and interpret, the rhythmic flow of universal forces and their innate relationship with matter.
Philosophical Influences Kim's earliest philosophical lenses were shaped by the catholic doctrine taught in her formative schooling years. This possibly laid a foundation for a keen interest in all things spiritual, which was ignited in her late 20's when introduced to Theosophical principles and colour meditation. This critical turning point occurred when her art practice was reignited (see ART background below), which became greatly influenced by her spiritual interests. In her early 40's Kim studied the Western Kabbalah doctrine and its mystical teachings on colour and symbols, which would cement a deep fascination for the ancient mysteries and their treatises on 'light'. As colour became the 'doorway' through which hidden forces of the unseen worlds were investigated, this was to become a theme behind many of Kim's artworks and writings. These ideas were further developed into a unique methodology for blending spiritual practice with art, which she terms 'higher art'. As a proponent (and continuous learner) of the 'higher life' alluded to in all genuine theological doctrines, Kim continues to study cross-discipline theology whilst creatively exploring these influences through the practice of higher art. Early ART Background Kim's pastel art destiny was foreshadowed when she was only 13, when her art teacher reported "she produced a piece of work that would grace any gallery in the world!" She thrived through specialist ART & DESIGN in Years 11 and 12, but then undertook office and customer service work for the following decade. At the age of 28 Kim purchased a small box of pastels and a drawing pad. At the moment she began sketching she knew she was 'home'. This immediate realisation reignited her creative 'fire' that was to become her guiding 'north star'. In 1992 she held her first solo exhibition 'Esoteric Landscapes' at the First Settlement Gallery in Sorrento, Victoria. Although she was an unknown artist, the exhibition was considered a surprising success. This was because the themes of her artworks alluded to spiritual awakening and unseen forces, which was not the norm for an upmarket gallery. A follow up exhibition held the following year enjoyed similar success. Kim relocated to Brisbane in 1993 and continued exhibiting for the next 15 years through a variety of gallery and restaurant venues. This formative stage of her art journey (1992-2006) was established under her maiden name of Kim Gallagher. Many of the artworks from this era were published on US and Australasian book, magazine, and CD/DVD covers, and used in the set designs of US and UK-based feature films and television series. Several series of images were licensed to an Australian greeting card manufacturer, and to a French art licensing company. Return to University Kim returned to university in 2007 to pursue E-Business and Internet studies which was a new dynamic field of study at the time that might offer innovative opportunities to promote her artwork. She was also fascinated with how electrical architecture worked behind the scenes, which was to become a metaphor for her unique 'colour consciousness' theorisation developed down the track. A natural theorist at heart, Kim was awarded First Class Honours and a scholarship to undertake PhD studies in business technology adoption. She completed her ambitious 'big picture' thesis in 2011, titled 'THE NETWORKED VORTEX', which introduced an insightful metaphor for understanding the powerful human-techno-global cross-currents we experience today. Kim was subsequently offered permanent full time employment in academia, considered a privileged opportunity in higher education ranks. However, it presented a double-edged sword as it left no time for pursuing her art. In one of the hardest decisions of her life, Kim resigned from her position after two years and switched to part time teaching work. This allowed her to slowly retrieve her destined art calling, to the bewilderment of many. Little did they understand the driving force behind her creative 'north star'. ART Renaissance Period In 2019, Kim returned to full time art practice under her married name of Kim S. MacKenzie and launched The LANTERN LANE Studio. This would mark the beginning of a prolific new era of 'higher art' production and the creation of unique 'big picture' books, designed to promote the philosophy of 'higher art' and its important contribution to the human spirit. These include her brand new book 'BEAUTY WITHIN' (2025), 'HOMAGE TO THE STARS' (2024), 'THE CITY OF STARS' (2022), as well as innovative text book 'COLOUR CONSCIOUSNESS A Practitioner's Guide to HIGHER ART' (2023). Kim considers the original philosophical framework developed in this pioneering book to be her life's major work. She has recently forayed into BIG PICTURE podcasts in partnership with AI genius, which is set to launch the LANTERN LANE Studio upon a SUPERHIGHWAY in 2026! These unique 'conversations' explore human consciousness (based on content from her published books) with an original and intriguing twist, designed to fascinate and entertain the deeper thinker. Subscribe to our BIG PICTURE podcasts here. Higher art has the potential to benefit anyone open to engaging with it. Its richness and complexity offer something valuable for every mind and soul, making it a source of inspiration, education, healing, and connection for a broad audience. |
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