Born in Manhattan, New York, to artist parents  Lena Gardelli grew up in a world surrounded by creativity, music and art.  Her father Lamberto Gardelli was a world renowned orchestra conductor and mother Magdolna Ban's paintings are exhibited in elite galleries worldwide.

Lena moved to Europe before her first birthday, spending time in England and Switzerland, where she studied graphic arts, before returning to New York at the age of nineteen. Upon her arrival in New York, Lena attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she majored in Textile Design.

This interest in textile design became a passion, as she opened a clothing company.  "What's Going On" showcased Lena's art and clothing designs, gaining attention in boutiques and department stores internationally.

In 1987, Lena moved to San Diego where she continued her clothing company, and began to seriously pursue painting and photography. During this time, "What's Going On" contributed to many local causes relating to Lena's first love: animals. Proceeds from sales and designs were donated to local animal shelters and causes supporting animal rights.

Zen principles of simplicity guide her life, as well as, her inspirations of music and dance. Her philosophy "Do everything for love, with love...pass on the pleasure and joy of doing" is continually reflected in her art and lifestyle. Through meditation, Yoga and gardening, Lena maintains the center that allows her art to spring from within. "Painting can be a very meditative experience...being inside the moment of creation." Her recent training in the healing arts have become her way to help others remove and suffering from their lives and find inner peace.

The study of people is a major theme in Lena's work. Celebration of the human body  in all its forms, the appreciation gained from her healing arts training, and her background in dance, has led her to explore the human form through her nudes and recent work with live drawings.

Currently Lena is fulfilling a dream by preparing for a benefit show at the La Jolla Symphony Chorus. "Being able to use my art to support music gives me a chance to give back a fraction of the inspiration that music has been for me."

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