Lola Angelini is a free Spirit, an artist at heart and a passionate spiritual seeker of unraveling inward labyrinth of Self. Leaving her birth country at an early age, she lived, studied and worked in the USA, France, Russia, Finland and traveled around the world, yet the most fascinating journey, she finds, is the journey Within. After escaping years of New York's corporate urban frenzy that showered her with wild range of emotional and professional experiences from amazingly fascinating to stormy, and upon many personal awakenings, she is easy to let go of many things that doesn't nourish her highly-empathetic heart. Lola describes herSelf as an eternal wanderer, temporary living in an Earthy Body Temple, on a verge of two worlds, destined to fulfill her mission. She is madly attached to her Soul, fervently building a sacred bridge to Self through SoulEtude and inspire others to form this magic connection. New York University graduate with Art History major and Eastern philosophies/cultures as minor, Lola is inspired by Art, Cultures and Eastern spirituality. She is a lover of her furry beings and of everything fascinating about the mystical river of Life. The only thing in life worth pursuing, she states, is to shed all the layers, to blossom out of the muddy waters as the Lotus flower in its purest form, to be finally free. You will meet Lola through her testament "SoulEtude", which also will dance you into your own journey inward. Lola's art works had been previously featured in Paul Smit's "There is Nothing Quite Like CLARITY", by Hive Publications, The Hive Bookstore. To learn more about her work, please visit www.lolaangelini.com www.lola-angelini.foliodrop.com. https://www.facebook.com/Lola-Angelini-Art-Photography-601732563198438/
Reviews:
- Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite
The heart is like a flower. It has to open up to release its fragrance to the world. Adapted from a quote by Rajneesh Osho, this simple thought reveals a hidden depth of meaning. If only we all could open ourselves up to the world and demonstrate our inner selves to the greater glory of us all. Time itself is very ethereal. We spend our lives preparing for the future and yet, in reality, the future is no more than a void of anticipated ideals while the past has already happened. What we are is now. Time is only the now, the present. Such ethereal thoughts and illusions. We could ponder our existence, both within ourselves and around ourselves, for eternity and never fully satisfy the complete complexity of who or what we are. But we can at least accept our individual uniqueness, our ability to love, to care, to reach out from deep within. There is definitely an element of magic in our entire sense of being.
Lola Angelini’s book, "SoulEtude", is a work of art, both visual and literary. She is an artist first. The words shared alongside her paintings and collages were inspired thoughts that emboldened her creations. Combined, this book of art and spiritual aspirations is deep and thought provoking. The artist, aka author, has a profound message for each of her works, messages derived from a wide variety of topics: philosophy, mysticism, spirituality and so much more in the divine matrix of the human condition. Studying this book allows the reader to ponder both the visual and the literary and to seek within themselves a true meaning of who and what they are. The title itself, "SoulEtude", is a work of art. Etude means a study, usually a musical study to heighten technical capability, which strongly suggests that this work is a very technically challenging study of the soul within. This is a book that needs to be read and discussed and unraveled many times over.
- Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
SoulEtude by Lola Angelini is not
particularly a self-help book, but it might actually work like one for quite a
few people. Without trying to make her point by writing long paragraphs,
Angelini chooses to capture the minds of readers with small quotes, brilliant
poetry and simply exquisite works of art that could alone entrance readers. By
not focusing upon one particular idea, she is able to make them realize what
they want to know without feeling any pressure to do so.
The book is a combination of quotes, photography and carefully crafted poetry
that sets the tone for a new theme and a new message every few pages. With
topics ranging from dreams to reality, this book has stunning pictures that
tell a story on their own and the author adds witty poetry or simple quotes to
bring the message home. Almost all of them bring the same message: learn
yourself, enjoy yourself, appreciate yourself and love yourself. This is a
powerful message that she handles beautifully.
The poems and the quotes bring the message of the photography across. I enjoyed
how these little pieces come together to convey a powerful message. Angelini
isn’t coy about her message, she just lays it all on the table for the reader
to digest and enjoy however they might. She lets the reader come to their own
conclusion and take what they want from the story. This is very impressive,
very evocative and interesting.
- Reviewed By Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite
"SoulEtude" by Lola Angelini is an anthology of the author's work, comprising photography and art, all supplemented by poetry, quotes, and thoughtful soliloquies by Angelini and other writers. Angelini provides a deep and moving narrative about a range of topics that encompass individuality, the metaphysical, spirituality, self-awareness, love and a host of other themes. The photography and artwork are multidimensional and sublime; a mix of realism and hypnotic imagery. As a whole, the compilation comes together to form a wonderful piece of art that I was able to read through with my teenage daughter (who adored it).
"SoulEtude" sings with prose such as, "Listen silently, listen patiently, listen lovingly; This is the holiest music of your heart." My favorite photograph in Lola Angelini's book is of a woman sitting on a platform, back to the camera, in a vast body of water. She holds herself in what, to me, looks like an act of self-love, but can easily be interpreted by a reader in any way that strikes them in the moment. In a time when we are all surrounded by divisiveness, losing myself in this beautiful object d'art was a refreshing distraction and a perfect reminder of my strength and frailty as a woman, a human, and a citizen of this planet. I'd absolutely recommend this book to all those who enjoy reading philosophical and intelligent, personal writing and detailed graphics, to women of all ages, and to the men who love the soul essence of the female spirit.
"SoulEtude" by Lola Angelini is a non-fiction book that falls into the genres of art, photography, and spirituality in equal measure. This book would appeal most to a diverse audience of young adults and adults with an interest in exploring the human condition through the lenses of spirituality, mysticism, philosophy, dreams, and more. This book is designed to use an equal measure of art and words to take a person on a journey of understanding their “I”ness. Are you ready to discover who you truly are beyond your name, skin color, gender, and nationality?
"SoulEtude" by Lola Angelini is unique from all other books, as it does not follow the normal stereotypes of spirituality, self-help, or art books. Instead, Lola Angelini created a completely inimitable book filled with breathtaking works of art that are highlighted by her explanations of them. My personal favorite was “Quantum Hologram,” which really displayed the idea that people have the capacity to be a part of universal energy, and that to widen one's understanding, a person only need to quiet one’s mind in order to listen to one’s soul and dreams. It was this image and its explanation that touched something in me and made me feel a connection with this particular piece - it made me feel like I truly could be anything and everything I want to be by listening to my soul whispers. Overall, I am glad I took the time to immerse myself in this book as I feel that it helped me to learn to question my “I”ness and I found the artwork to be truly moving.
- Reviewed by Stuart Clement, Artist, South Africa
"SOULetude"…by Lola Angelini is a wonderfully expressive read of a book which could easily stand alone and make its point on the merit of the artwork all by itself. Instead the artist takes you on an open hearted journey through life’s pain and pleasures. Lola addresses life’s tribulations head-on. Challenges which lead her to very personal and meaningful awakenings. In this book, Lola shares with you both deeply personal confessions mixed with constructive outlooks and honest attempts at advice. All based on the artist’s own paths she has traveled, mapping out the landscape of her life.
"SOULetude" is not a longwinded self help book. It gets right to the point by means of beautiful poetry and a great selection of choice quotes. While not a long read, the book will keep the reader engaged longer than expected with exceptional and imaginative works of art and photography. Allowing the viewer to page through a stunning gallery of imagery, with words placed just right, like a carefully planted and arranged garden. It is a refreshing showcase of a modern artist putting her art to valid and practical use, to try and bring both warm beauty and inner healing, to what for many, is often a cold and turbulent world. In the end, hopefully leading the reader to their very own SOULetude…
- Reviewed by Bryan Martenson, Artist, Montana, US
Telepathic and flowing in its reflective healing power, Lola's artistry rings true. Worthy of casting into memory, her book comes to life with each reading.
- Reviewed by Nica Breeze, Artist, Writer, Montana, US
The creative spirit behind captivating surreal images lives in the body of a sharp dynamic person, who knows how to thrive in this highly competitive world. I admire Lola's ability to be firmly rooted in everyday life, - and walk on clouds at the same time. If you wondered how one can do and be it all without compromising the quality of anything, "SoulEtude" will open a portal into a richer, deeper version of reality. Lola's art will energize you. It will sneak up on you as that push in the direction of pursuing your loftiest aspirations you've been waiting for.
- Reviewed by Peter Lindahl, Musician, Artist, SWEDEN
"SoulEtude" by Lola Angelini reveals her highly sensitive approach to art beginning with a watercolor-like photograph spanning the front cover of her book. This mystical water plate, is one of many masterpieces immaculately performed by the artist in a succession of themes centered around self-portraits, having been processed in various awe-inspiring ways that often make her handicraft shimmer like aquarelle or even resembling antique mural paintings.
There is so much more to say about this book, which features both visual art and lots of written wisdom by the author herself, but I will humbly leave it to the viewer to make his or her own impression of this AMAZING GIFT to the world!
- Reviewed by Carlos Charcape, CT, US
"SoulEtude" invites the viewer into the cosmos of the artist's thoughts. As the main protagonist of Lola's art creations, she manages to bewitch and enrapture the audience with every single page throughout the book, achieving the merit of expressing peace, innocence, sadness and awareness of colorful cosmos of her imagination.
This book is absolutely astonishing, read it, feel it!
- Reviewed by Judy Mochoskay, Poet, Erie, Pennsylvania, US
..."And thus begin...the Holy Books of ART! Breathlessly devour this testament of Lola. Set before you is a stunning feast of passionate art and pondering thought. How delicate is her hand that holds out the keys to open your own heart and creative soul...WITHIN "SoulEtude"!
Thank You...my SiStar...I anticipate the collaboration of Our Trinity!
All of US...the artists, musicians, writers, performers...
WE are soo needed to Light the Path of the New Generations."
- Reviewed By Deborah Lloyd for Readers’ Favorite
"One could spend hours simply digesting the “Introduction by the Author” contained within this beautiful art book with a spiritual perspective. Artist/author Lola Angelini begins this exquisite book, entitled "SoulEtude", by explaining her creative process. This awe-inspiring process is connecting to the mysterious dimension within, and the results are truly magnificent. She has presented 115 color plates, and each one is accompanied by an essay, poem or other writing. While most of the texts are original essays written by Ms. Angelini, there are several renditions from other writers. The color plates are simply stunning, leaving no doubt these are directed by her inner wisdom and creative spark. Each one explores a spiritual, philosophical, or mystical thought, bringing insight to an engaged reader searching for truth.
This book is to be savored, and not devoured. The true essence is found when the reader spends time with each drawing and the accompanying words of wisdom. Each page could become the starting point for a meditation or spiritual exercise. This book is more than lovely spiritual thoughts. The author gently challenges the reader to release ego-centered thoughts and beliefs by engaging in the process of going within. The intention within her challenge is immersed in her own experiences and with attitudes of humility and gratitude. By immersing oneself in the book, "SoulEtude", created by Lola Angelini, the reader can experience moments of connecting, awakening, and remembering the soul within. This book is highly recommended for anyone on a spiritual healing path. What a beautiful way to find the wisdom within!"
- Reviewed By Gisela Dixon for Readers’ Favorite
"SoulEtude by Lola Angelini is a book that could be placed in many different genres or categories such as poetry, prose, philosophy, art, photography, visual media, or maybe all of the above. Still, SoulEtude is essentially an art book by an artist and the primary focus is on design and photography. The book is composed entirely of art work against an artistic background of colors. Moving beyond this are musings and reflections by Lola on metaphysical questions. The book is thus broadly divided into sections such as Conceptual Existentialism, Fantasy, Dreams, etc. and under each of these sections are sub-sections that cover a range of philosophical subjects such as what is time, dreams, soul, universe and the meaning of it, silence, life, solitude, consciousness, eternal unity, and so much more.
In SoulEtude, Lola Angelini expresses herself as an artist and also a philosopher musing on life and its mysteries. Each of the “musings” or prose is a page or two, and is an easy and short read. This can also be read in any order, although it would be best to read in sequential order to absorb each line and its meaning. Some of my favorite pieces were “Open Hearted,” “Wild Woman Is Not Your Girlfriend,” and “Spirit Chaser” among others. Essentially, this is a book that encourages everyone to dive deeper into ourselves to search for answers to metaphysical questions because ultimately it is in that silence and solitude that these answers are to be found. This is a good book for anyone interested in metaphysical subjects."