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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.
Philosophical Influences Kim's earliest philosophical lenses were shaped by the catholic doctrine taught in her formative schooling years. She was an obedient and devout student who was captivated by the spiritual narratives and theatrics of Christianity, evident in her mock up mass sermons she conducted as a child in her family home. Taking over the dining room table, she would drape it, and herself, in white sheets, and cut out circles from ice cream wafers for the holy Eucharist. Kim would boldly read the priest's commands from her mass book with ease, which she knew off by heart. It never occurred to her that this role play may have been sacrilegious or inappropriate. This early school fascination with religious ritual did not translate into devout catholicism as a young adult, however, where Sunday services were only attended on special occasions. But it probably did lay the foundation for her keen interest in all things spiritual, which was kick-started in her late 20's when introduced to Theosophical principles and colour meditation. Coincidently, this critical juncture 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 was introduced to the Western Kabbalah doctrine, which she studied diligently for 16 years. Learning more about the mystical meaning associated with colour and symbols 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' of all religious thought and doctrine, Kim continues to study cross-discipline theology whilst creatively exploring these influences through the practice of higher art. Early ART Background At the early age of 13, Kim produced a pastel artwork at high school, titled 'The Pear', which was hung in the Head Master's office for the entire year. On her end of year school report her art teacher commented "She produced a piece of work that would grace any gallery in the world." Propelled by this early encouragement, Kim was enrolled in a pioneering 2 year ART & DESIGN Tertiary Orientation Program (Year 11 & 12), intended to groom students for the prestigious Victorian College of Art academy. A top performing student in all of her studies, Kim was struck down with an extended bout of glandular fever in her final term. Consequently, she graduated with only a low pass that directed her tertiary path toward primary education diploma studies. Disillusioned with the unexpected trajectory, Kim deferred from the teacher's institute and took up clerical work. This period was to extend aimlessly for the next 12 years through a number of different jobs and industries, which Kim refers to as her 'lost years'. Always yearning for a path back to her art, she purchased a simple box of pastels and a sketchpad one fateful morning from a local newsagent. Kim was 28 at this pivotal time. The moment she began sketching Kim felt as if she was 'home'. This instant realisation served to reignite 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 who had literally walked off the street and introduced herself, the exhibition was considered a surprising success, and over half of her semi-abstract pastel artworks were sold. 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. Attracted to the colour, warmth, and light of a semi-tropical environment, Kim relocated to Brisbane in 1993. She continued exhibiting for the next 15 years at a variety of venues including Metro Arts, Waterfront Place feature exhibitions, and many small galleries and restaurants. 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, encouraged by her supportive husband whom she married in 1999. Exploring her higher education potential was in many regards considered unfinished business from decades earlier. However, instead of studying fine art, Kim pursued E-Business and Internet studies which represented a new dynamic field of study at the time. She was particularly fascinated with how electrical architecture worked behind the scenes, which was to become a metaphor for her 'higher art' theorisation developed years later. With personal hardship and life-experience behind her, returning to study as a mature-age student saw Kim thrive in her new learning environment, where she was awarded first class honours and a scholarship to undertake PhD studies in business technology innovation. On completion of her thesis in 2011, she was to gain permanent full time employment in academia, considered a privileged opportunity in higher education ranks. Such recognition served as a personal restorative antidote to Kim's perceived 'lost years', 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 2 years and switched to part time teaching work. This allowed her to slowly retrieve her destined art passion, albeit at a huge price in the eyes of many in academia who were left bewildered. 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, (with a little help from the Covid isolation era). Under this momentum, Kim launched The LANTERN LANE Studio which was to mark the beginning of a prolific new era of unique 'higher art' production used to create inspirational books. These include 'HOMAGE TO THE STARS' and 'THE CITY OF STARS', as well as innovative text book 'COLOUR CONSCIOUSNESS A Practitioner's Guide to HIGHER ART'. This unique self help guidebook is inspiring a new generation of 'higher art' enthusiasts all around the world. Kim considers the original philosophical framework developed in the book to be her 'life's major work'. In 2025 Kim launched LANTERN LANE Studio Publishing and an online teaching platform SOHA (the 'School of Higher Art'). Both platforms are dedicated to promoting the practice and philosophy of 'higher art' and its important contribution to the human spirit. 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. Revisit why higher art matters here ... * Join our mailing list to receive quarterly newsletters about the latest activities offered by the LANTERN LANE Studio. * |
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