Full Name: Lené Ehlers

Where were you born? Bellville

Star Sign: Aries Sun, Libra Moon, Leo Rising

What do you make? Artworks and ceramics.

What are you currently making? Oil paintings.

How many hours on an average day do you work? It feels like I’m always working, when I’m not physically painting I’m sending emails or thinking of ideas or sourcing interesting flowers and vases.

Do you work on weekends? I do, yes. Sometimes I’ll work over a weekend and then take a day off in the week. Other times I’ll work for two weeks straight and then I take a week off after that. I’ve tried to create room for my creativity to do its thing, without too many structures or timelines.

What do you love most about your work? The complete freedom and flexibility!

What do you like least about your work? A challenging aspect is it can be easy to forget life outside of the studio exists. Sharing work and traveling is the best medicine for this!

If you couldn’t be making the work that you make today, what would do you think you’d be doing? I love beautiful spaces so maybe something to do with interiors. I am also interested in psychology, writing, photography. In another life I’d like to be an expert on antique jewels.

Is there anything that you wish more people knew about the work you do? i.e. Are there hidden challenges, or complexities that not many people can see or understand from the outside?
Something people might not know is that I set up and create the still life before I paint it. I use fabrics sourced on my travels and then buy flowers and arrange them in a vase. So all my paintings are painted from life. I love this added layer of creativity and styling I get to play with.

Describe the ceramics you eat meals off for us.
I have a few wonky handmade plates and bowls in off white I bought at the potters market a few years ago.