Artists We Love: Lené Ehlers

WORDS Cheri Morris

Lené Ehlers is a South African graphic designer, illustrator and florist who recently released her first full-time illustration project, Trust Your Blood.

Currently on show as part of Salon Ninety One’s When it’s hot out and you wanna have a good time exhibition, Trust Your Blood features a grounding marriage of illustration and flower arrangement that is at once a celebration and an ode to Lené’s personal growth.

We chat to her about her use of various mediums, the space in which she is most creative and what inspired Trust Your Blood.

Tell us about your first memory of illustration.

As a kid, I remember reading a book about a little princess looking for her crown. And another about a boy falling asleep and going on adventures with pirates in his dreams. The illustration styles were so contrasting and I remember thinking about the stories differently because of that. I’ve always loved to draw, but it was only while studying graphic design that I was formally introduced to illustration.

Tell us how art and flower arrangement intersect for you.

My love for flowers began while I was studying my postgraduate degree in illustration. I needed to do something with my hands, something more tactile than drawing. I saw flower arranging as an escape almost – I felt so creative while arranging flowers. Colour choices, composition and finding rhythm are all part of floral design and it came very naturally to me, because I already had training in those visual practices. When I work with flowers, it feels like I am painting with nature; the flowers are the pigments.

Tell us about Trust Your Blood‘s inspiration and your artistic process.

I’ve wanted to illustrate a collection for a very long time now – I felt something brewing beneath the surface, I just wasn’t quite sure was it was yet! I haven’t really illustrated full time since studying. One day in October last year I reached out to my favourite illustrator, we had a coffee and chatted, and I just felt so inspired afterwards. All I needed was that little bit of outward input and motivation.

From there, I created the collection in one month, working constantly. I wanted this very personal first collection to celebrate my journey, and also to acknowledge how everything feeds into your passion eventually: you can totally relax and trust the process (and your blood)!

My process of creating the illustrations was very organic. I wanted to create a wide variety of sizes and compositions, that was my only prerequisite. I was just trusting myself with creating this collection, without wanting anything specifically as the outcome. Everything was very intuitive.

The title is reinforced by drooping red tulips that look like drops of blood – a cool detail I only discovered after all the pieces were finished. I enjoy finding hidden treasures in my work after I create it; it’s the best reward because then I know I stepped out of the way and was being used by a creativity larger than myself.

What do you want people to feel when they view Trust Your Blood?

I want them to feel at peace with where they are at the moment; to feel grounded in a deep knowing; to feel inspired.

What’s the most beloved thing (illustration, flower arrangement or otherwise) you’ve ever created?

Trust Your Blood is super special to me because I merged my love of illustration and flowers and created a whole body of work inspired by it. I loved organising the shoot, styling the floral arrangements, along with the illustrations, and assisting with the photography. I was part of the entire process.

Describe the physical space in which you are most creative.

Loads of white space, wooden floors, natural light beaming in, antique chairs, plants, inspiration stuck on the walls, candles burning, ceramic pots for brushes scattered everywhere, coffee brewing, and paint spots on my clothes.

How does your favourite physical space look?

I recently visited De Nagmaal in Montagu. I loved their space: fresh decor from the garden, handmade ceramics, luxury spices and teas. It felt like I was walking into a treasure box because they have massive shelves decked with gem-like curios. I felt like I was discovering little treasures. If a space does that for my curiosity, I am hooked.

Tell us about your preferred mediums and how you discovered them.

I love using water-based pigments like gouache, acrylic ink and acrylic paint. I have experimented with everything from Copic markers to oil paint. How I use my mediums has definitely changed over the years, as my style has evolved. I am a huge fan of mixing my mediums; there will always be at least three in an illustration. It adds a lovely layered feeling.

What’s your proudest moment as an artist?

Two moments come to mind. The first is when I read my name on the list of the 75 illustrators that where chosen worldwide to partake in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy in 2017. The second is last year when I took part in Salon 91’s group show. They have been my favourite gallery since I was a student and it was magical seeing my work exhibited alongside my favourite artists.

What’s next for you?

I’m planning on moving into my first studio and beginning work on the next collection. I’m also excited about the possibility of exhibiting abroad this year.

Love Lené’s work? Follow her on Instagram (@leneehlers) for more and contact Salon Ninety One to purchase her currently exhibited works.