Katja Lührs
Katja, your art is described with the words 'Wonder, World, Nature.' How do these elements influence your creative process and what message do you hope to convey through your artworks?"
As an artist you have many opportunities to draw attention to the impressive nature with all its creatures, the many colors and shapes. Each of us who walks through nature with our eyes open has experienced how intoxicating certain moods in nature can be. Our planet Earth, and by that I mean all of nature, gives us so much. In the cycle of “give and take”, it makes sense to give back to nature. This can be unlimited and diverse. With my pictures I want to capture the unique beauties of nature, because what you love, you protect.
That's why my personal motto is: "Save the Earth."
You've said that your motto is 'Save the Earth.' How do you incorporate this urgent message into your oil paintings and digital works?
I used to paint people and animals in connection with nature. I am currently painting leaves and their colors and shapes. Leaves are so diverse and inspire me every day.
Given your deep commitment to environmental and animal rights, how do you balance your activism with your artistry? Are there specific projects or pieces where this integration is most evident?
Given your strong commitment to environmental and animal rights, how do you balance your advocacy with your artwork? Are there particular projects or pieces where this integration is most obvious?
The beauties of nature are reflected in all my pictures and I have been committed to child, animal and environmental protection for around 30 years and, among other things, work actively with Peta (the largest animal rights organization) worldwide. As a presenter on various television stations in Germany or in interviews about myself, I always draw attention to my heartfelt desire: “Save the earth.” I donate the money that I earn as a painter because in my job as a presenter I “God be “Thanks” was always able to earn well. Each of us can do something positive every day, in small and large ways. If every person observed this in love and lived according to it, then we would have no environmental problems, no wars and a peaceful life on earth. My recommendation is also to lead a vegetarian life, according to the motto: “Live and let live!” Your body will thank you, I have had this experience.
You've been recognized with numerous awards, including the Global Consciousness Art Prize. How do you feel your art contributes to raising awareness and inspiring change in global environmental issues?
When you see an inspiring image from nature that touches your heart and you can switch off for a moment and just think about the beauty of nature, that is meditation. If I can achieve this, it makes me more than happy and thanks to many international interviews like yours and your questions, I can give answers and express my opinion on issues. As a presenter for talk shows in Germany, I have moderated many programs on the subject of environmental and animal protection. I was very lucky that television stations like ZDF – ARD – RTL – Sat 1 were interested in it. Now I am asked internationally about my opinion about my pictures and why I paint and I am very grateful for that.
As someone who works both in oil painting and digital art, how do you see digital techniques influencing traditional art spaces? What has been the reception to your digital works in galleries and exhibitions?
Personally, it is very convenient for me to no longer send my oil paintings, some of which are large, worldwide. This is really a big advantage for an artist. This saves a lot of time and money and it often happens that images are damaged. These are just three of many reasons why digital art is often featured in galleries and exhibitions.
You've mentioned that the variety of colors and shapes in nature inspires you. Could you share how these elements specifically find their way into your artwork? Are there particular scenes or moments in nature that have inspired recent pieces?
With my camera in hand, I walk through the beautiful, colorful nature. Often I just have my phone with me and film and take photos of what I see and am impressed. Inspired by these moods, I immediately have an idea in my head of what the next oil painting could look like. I am always fascinated by this incredible diversity. The play of the sun with the different colors of light and shadow magically attracts me. Nature, and this is what I try to capture in my oil paintings, expresses love, confidence, optimism and hope for me. We humans are integrated into their cycle and cannot live without them. I am aware of this every day and it helps me and gives me health, strength and inspiration as I move through my life.
With a background in fashion, journalism, and acting, how have these experiences influenced your artistic vision? Do you find that your history in these fields informs your art in any way?
In many ways, I learned a lot from these jobs. As a model I have been to the most beautiful places in the world. This trained my eye for the beauties of nature. Journalism has brought me together with many interesting people and places and I have been able to learn a lot about what is really important in life. I didn't have much interest in acting at the time and quickly switched to TV presenting. In this job I was able to move around really freely and was able to learn an incredible amount in many areas as I was able to host talk shows with different topics for years. Here, too, I met very interesting people from all professional sectors. During these many years I always had time to study art and also work as a designer.
What are some upcoming projects or exhibitions you are particularly excited about? Are there new themes or techniques you are eager to explore in your future works?
I have many exhibitions around the world this year and each one is special. Because I can choose where I exhibit my pictures. But I'm really looking forward to an exhibition in Rome, because as a vegetarian I also like to eat good vegan food. In Italy this is possible because there are many dishes without living creatures. I also really like the relaxed nature of the people in Italy and at the art fairs there is a lot of humor and people treat each other lovingly. New York is and remains my dream city because I worked there a lot as a model in my youth and had a great love there. And when it comes to future technologies, I'm always trying something new.
Having achieved considerable success in various artistic endeavors, what advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out and looking to make an impact with their art?
My advice as an artist when asked is: “Try to enter many international art awards.” Or press releases. Personally, I think this approach is very helpful.”
Looking back over your career, how do you think your art has evolved? Are there any pivotal moments that significantly shaped your artistic journey?
Yes, I think it's a very funny story that I experienced with my sister Britta. We were in Germany, in Bad Füssing and visited the great spa park there. My sister asked me to take photos of the incredible sea of flowers for her. No sooner said than done: I photographed flowers. But in between I saw the many trees and leaves and how particularly fascinating the sunlight was that day. So I kept going under a tree or branch at the diving station and taking photos. “Hello,” she said to me: “The music is playing here!” Katja, concentrate on the task I gave you. It's about flowers and not leaves! The next day the sky was bright again and the sun was shining, I set off alone and that was my luck, I had captured so many beautiful pictures to paint! But as I said, without my sister Britta I wouldn't have come up with what I thought was a fantastic idea! !