Katja Lührs
Katja Lührs was born in Rochlitz/Germany. Discovered at the age of eighteen by New York fashion photographer Mike Reinhardt and has worked for magazines at home and abroad (including Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Marie Claire, Petra, Stern, Madame, Twen). As an actress, she appeared in front of the camera for films (including The Woman Without a Body, Robin Hood) and TV series (including Schwarzwaldklinik, Marienhof, Dr. Stefan
Frank). She received her training as an author and journalist at Burda Verlag. She worked as a presenter for ZDF and ARD (public television in Germany. As well as for ORF in Austria with the program “Fun in the Snow”. An art and design training course with ArtTabea Caren.
A training course in conversation and hypnosis therapy at the Institut Erhard Freitag Hypnosis Center Munich and a medically certified yoga teacher training at the Institut Scharnagl Munich.
Skydiving training by the Swiss Confederation.
Diving certificate from SSI – Scubaschools International Israel
Shows on television
Cinema flashback (weekly broadcast on Sat 1-)
Colorful talk show (weekly broadcast on Sat 1-)
Skydiving (40-minute film broadcast worldwide)
Fun in the snow (game show on Sat 1 and ORF)
The beautiful weekend (weekly broadcast on Bavarian television ARD)
Saturday club (weekly broadcast on Bavarian television ARD)
Abendschau (daily broadcast on Bavarian television ARD)
Bremer Fernsehen Abendschau ARD (daily broadcast)
Bellezze Sulla Neve (weekly game show in winter on ORF as well as in Italy and Spain)
Enzymforum (weekly broadcast on the RTL regional program)
Marriages in court (moderation for 9 years on ZDF)
Music workshop (broadcast quarterly on ZDF)
Design and moderation
Art – fashion – and jewelry design – 3 years training at ArtTabea Caren
Jewelry design for RTL Group and HSE24. The programs were called: “Katja Lührs
Design” and “Katja Lührs Classic”
author
Book: “Viva Veggie” (Hans – Nietsch – Verlag)
Nutrition guide with CD-Rom to optimize your personal menu, contains the favorite recipes
of celebrities such as Kim Basinger, Paul McCartney, Martina Navratilova
Book: “Smoothie – Fit” Healthy Eating (Hans – Nietsch – Verlag)
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ARTHOUSE Munich - ARTBOX World 1.0 - The Hub Munich - ARTBOX Barcelona - Galerie
Azur Brussel - ART MUC Munich - Discovery Artfair Frankfurt - ARTe Wiesbaden - ARTBOX
Zurich - Miami Artweeks U.S.A. - Lelie Galerij Amsterdam Netherlands - Casa Del Arte
Palma Spain - Thomson Gallery Zug Switzerland - Los Angeles ART LAB U.S.A. - Johnathan
Schultz Gallery Miami U.S.A.-. PAVOT Gallery Bucharest - Biennale Venezia Italy -
NewYork Artweeks U.S.A. - Tokyo Tower Art Fair
Awards:
ITSLiquid Group (ITS) Artist oft he year 2022/2023 – Winner 2024 Museum oft he
Americas U.S.A. and The Premier Artist Prize 2024 – Global Art Virtuosu Elite Artistic
Award 2024 - Finalist Circle Arts 2023 – Winner Global Future of Art 2024 - Harmony
for Humanity the Global Consciousness Art Prize 2023 – Winner Collectors Art Prize
Planet Future 2023 – Artbox World Winner 2020 – 2021 – 2022 with the painting „Color
Sound – Summerdreams – Save the Earth – Blue Night Fog – Rainbow and Moments -
The Premier Artist Prize 2024 - COVER HIDDEN TALENTS ART MAGAZIN 2024 and 2
Covers in the ARTMagazine „ARTPROFIL“ November 2020 and August 2023
The variety of colors, shapes of flowers, trees and leaves has fascinated me since my childhood. The power of the sun and its play with light and shadow in nature are characterized by: “grace, love, joy of life, confidence, peace and serenity”. You can capture the beauty of nature with images. Because what you love, you also protect. That’s why my motto for my pictures is: “Save the Earth”. I have been an environmental and animal rights activist since I was thirty and have therefore become a vegetarian. The two themes are reflected in my pictures. I would like to continue to support the environment through my painting. A great blessing is the opportunity to show my paintings in exhibitions and galleries around the world, as oil paintings or digitally. Another gift is that I am repeatedly asked in interviews what I want to convey with my pictures and thus have the opportunity to convey my heartfelt theme “Save the earth and the animal world”.
Given your extensive work in art and activism, which advocates for a profound connection with nature and animal rights, what integrated, holistic actions do you believe society as a whole should prioritize to effectively tackle the pressing environmental crises of our times?
This comprehensive, very good question immediately reminds me of a quote from Albert Einstein: “Nothing increases the chances of survival on earth more than the transition to a vegetarian diet.”This comprehensive, very good question immediately reminds me of a quote from Albert Einstein: "Nothing increases the chances of survival on earth more than the transition to a vegetarian diet." To produce just 1 kg of beef, you need 15,400 litres of water! Wow, that's what I thought when I first read that. In addition, for this 1 kg of meat you need around 3.9 - 9.4 kg of feed for the animals. In addition, industrial animal production pollutes groundwater worldwide with antibiotic residues, pesticides, liquid manure and artificial fertilizers. All of these toxins are found in our lakes, rivers and seas. Of the greenhouse gases behind the production of one kilogram of beef, methane is the best known. Methane has a strong influence on the atmosphere and thus directly on our nature and the global greenhouse effect. For 1 kg of meat, rainforests are set on fire or cut down to create pasture for the animals. If we manage to break this vicious circle, and this includes education and enlightenment, the earth has a chance of survival and Albert Einstein, who died in April 1955, is right with his quote! What a forward-thinking man!
Throughout your career, you have consistently utilized your artwork to advocate for greater environmental awareness. Could you elaborate on how art can act as a transformative catalyst for changing climate-damaging behaviors among individuals and within communities at large?
Art can evoke strong emotional responses that are crucial to fostering a deeper connection to environmental issues. Many climate issues, such as greenhouse gases or the slow deterioration of ecosystems, are abstract and difficult to visualize. Art can make these invisible processes tangible and show their impacts in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. Through narrative and symbolism, art can tell compelling stories about the environment and climate change.Art can inspire action by showing solutions and alternatives. For example, artworks that show sustainable practices or highlight successful conservation efforts can encourage viewers to adopt similar practices in their own lives.
Art has the ability to challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries. By depicting climate change in innovative and provocative ways, artists can challenge existing attitudes and encourage viewers to rethink their perspectives and behaviors.
Art has a lasting impact; it can serve as a historical document and a constant reminder of the importance of environmental conservation. For example, artworks can continue to educate and inspire future generations long after they are created. In summary, art can be a powerful tool for environmental protection by making abstract concepts more tangible, evoking emotional responses and inspiring action. Its ability to engage, educate and mobilize people can play an important role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable behavior. Our guided interview will also make some people "think" about how they can integrate environmental protection and animal welfare into their lives.
With your firm stance on animal rights, what specific measures or initiatives do you think are most effective in promoting better welfare for animals and preventing their cruelty within various sectors of society, including agriculture, entertainment, and domestic care?
Taking animal welfare into account in different sectors requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some concrete measures that can be effective in improving animal welfare and preventing cruelty: How to implement improved living conditions in agriculture. Enforcing regulations that require humane living conditions for animals, such as sufficient space, adequate ventilation and access to the outdoors. Everyone should be clear that every kilo of meat means certain death for the animal, with suffering that we cannot imagine. People should not support factory farming but promote alternative, more humane farming methods such as pasture-based or free-range farming. Schools should talk about animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals. Regular monitoring of animals used in the entertainment industry, such as circuses, zoos and film productions, to ensure their welfare. Supporting organizations that work to end cruel practices on animals and release them where possible. Educating pet owners about responsible pet care, including proper nutrition, veterinary care, and the importance of love and respect for animals. Promoting adoption from shelters and rescue organizations rather than buying pets from breeders or pet stores.
Encouraging consumers to make ethical choices, such as supporting cruelty-free products and companies with strong animal welfare policies. By integrating these measures and initiatives across different sectors, we can create a more humane and compassionate society for animals.
All in all, we should avoid eating meat for the sake of our bodies and animals. There are so many high-quality alternatives to meat to meet your protein needs, such as tofu or seitan derived from plants.
In the context of environmental and animal protection, do you believe that the efforts of a single individual can lead to substantial, enduring changes? Could you possibly share examples or personal experiences that illustrate the impact one person can have on broader conservation effort?
Absolutely, the efforts of a single person can indeed lead to significant and lasting change in environmental and animal welfare. History and current events are full of examples where one person's commitment and actions have had a profound impact.
Like Rachel Carson and her 1962 book Silent Spring! This book is often credited with pioneering the environmental movement and the reason the pesticide DDT was banned in the United States.
Jane Goodall: Through her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, Goodall changed the way we understand and treat primates. Her work not only revolutionized primatology, but also sparked global interest in conservation and animal welfare. Her efforts to promote animal rights and conservation have influenced policy and inspired countless individuals and organizations.
Greta Thunberg: As a young activist, Thunberg's school strike for climate action gained international attention and led to the Fridays for Future movement. Their activism has mobilized millions of people around the world to demand stronger climate action and has influenced the political discourse on climate change.
One person's actions can create a ripple effect. One passionate person can inspire others to get involved, attract media attention, and push for policy change. These individual efforts often serve as catalysts for broader movements, demonstrating that meaningful change can start with one person's commitment and vision. One person's actions can create a chain reaction that leads to meaningful and lasting change in environmental and animal conservation
As a dedicated advocate for conservation, what are some specific actions you personally take to minimize your environmental impact and promote animal rights? How do you incorporate these actions into your daily life and professional practice?
As an advocate of nature conservation and animal rights, integrating these values into my life can make a significant difference. Here are some concrete measures that I practice.
I have been a vegetarian for about 30 years and later became a vegan. My daily diet includes neither meat nor fish, nothing that has a face! For me, every living being has a right to love and respect for life. Since I have followed the saying "live and let live" I have become an all-round healthy person. I grew up with a lot of fear, but I have put that behind me and little by little, every situation in life has improved for me! I have also repeatedly taken in animals from the animal shelter or placed them in good hands. With a friend who is also an animal rights activist, we have saved around 150 young horses from slaughter and were able to place them in a positive home. Then I wrote two books with nutritionists about vegan nutrition with a nutrition CD. Reduce, reuse, recycle - that's how I shop, including my clothes. My house has a heat pump and LED lights everywhere. I also pay attention to my electricity and water consumption. I mostly go by bike. I have been working with Peta (the largest animal rights organization in the world) for 30 years. Every month I donate an amount to protect children, animals and the environment.
Considering the intersection of environmental policy and public awareness, how do you perceive the role of artists in influencing policy decisions that significantly impact nature conservation and animal welfare? Could you discuss any experiences where your art or that of others has played a role in shaping such policies?
Artists play an important role in shaping environmental policy and raising awareness about conservation and animal welfare. Through various forms of art – be it visual art, literature, music, or performance – artists can emotionally and intellectually engage the public, making complex issues more accessible and impactful.For example, the work of artists such as Banksy, who has created works on topics such as climate change and pollution, can stimulate thought and discussion among a wide audience. This increased awareness can lead to public pressure on policymakers to prioritize these issues. Art can also directly influence policy decisions. For example, documentaries and visual campaigns about environmental degradation or animal cruelty can generate a major public outcry, which in turn forces lawmakers to act. The documentary “The Cove,” which exposed dolphin hunting in Japan, is a prime example of how films can drive significant policy change and international dialogue. Artists often bridge gaps between scientific communities and the general public. By translating complex environmental data into more understandable or compelling formats, they can help to justify policy change. For example, eco-art installations that visualize pollution levels or deforestation of rainforests can make the data more tangible and emotional. Art can also serve as a catalyst for grassroots movements and campaigns. For example, the “Earth Art” movement, which includes projects such as Robert Smithson’s “Earthworks” or Andy Goldsworthy’s nature sculptures, can inspire local and global environmental action and encourage a deeper connection with nature. Or another example: The BBC series “The Blue Planet” narrated by David Attenborough has played a significant role in raising awareness of marine conservation and influencing public opinion and policy on marine conservation.
In essence, art can drive political change and encourage greater societal engagement with environmental and animal welfare issues. An environmentally conscious editor, her questions and this interview also help with this!
In your artistic creations, you often incorporate new technologies. How do you leverage these technologies to more effectively promote themes of environmental and animal conservation to a wider, more diverse audience?
Digital exhibitions allow artists to create dynamic, layered works. Through these mediums, complex conservation issues can be communicated in a more engaging and accessible way. For example, a multimedia installation could combine video footage of endangered species with artistic interpretations to evoke emotional responses and raise awareness. Social media platforms provide powerful tools to reach a global audience. Artists can use these platforms to share their work, create viral campaigns, and interact with communities in real time. A global audience can be inspired on conservation issues by transforming complex environmental data into visual art.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the role of art in the global environmental movements? What kind of legacy do you aim to establish or inspire through your artworks that focus on conservation?
Through its ability to evoke emotions and offer new ways of looking at the world, art can create a deep connection between individuals and nature. This connection can motivate people to become more involved in conservation efforts and adopt more sustainable practices. Art can imagine and visualize sustainable future scenarios by presenting innovative solutions and alternative ways of living. By presenting these possibilities, art can challenge the status quo and encourage society to imagine and work towards positive change. In terms of my legacy, I want to inspire a movement where art is an integral part of the conversation about environmental and animal welfare. My goal is to create works that not only raise awareness, but also give viewers the opportunity to see themselves as active participants in the quest for a more sustainable and just world. By fostering a sense of wonder, responsibility, and possibility, I hope to contribute to a broader cultural shift toward greater environmental stewardship.
The more conscious a person becomes, the more they can be inspired by the beauties of nature. If I can make a person who sees my pictures think for a moment of nothing else but the words: "Save the earth!"
Considering the potential of art as an educational tool, how do you believe art can effectively engage and educate younger generations in active environmental stewardship and the protection of animals? What methods or approaches do you find most effective in communicating these important messages to a younger audience?
Art has incredible potential as a means of educating younger generations about environmental and animal protection. Its ability to attract attention, evoke emotions and inspire action makes it a powerful medium for communicating important messages. Here are some methods and approaches that can be particularly effective:
Creating art projects that use recycled or natural materials to build sculptures or installations. This engages children in a tangible way and highlights the importance of reusing resources.
Illustrated stories for children. I have written some for Peta (the largest animal rights organization in the world) called: "The Little Bear and His Friends." These stories, which can be found via Google, are always about animal and environmental protection. Use artists to draw illustrations. You could also run workshops with children on the topic: "Animal and environmental protection!" In school lessons, climate change could be addressed artistically and imaginatively. Working with local organizations to exhibit art in public spaces, for example murals or sculptures in parks. Public art can reach a wider audience and stimulate community conversations about environmental issues. Organize online art competitions for children and youth. Develop educational games and apps that promote animal and environmental conservation. Teach children about ecosystems, wildlife and sustainability through creative activities and competitions. Collaborate with artists, environmentalists, speakers and scientists to promote environmental issues through art. By integrating art into environmental education, we can create memorable and impactful learning experiences. The key is to make the art projects engaging, relatable and educational, encouraging both creativity and a deeper connection to the natural world.
