Off the wall with Elléna Lourens
The South African street artist and illustrator talks about what inspires her.
Who are you?
My name is Elléna Lourens and I’m a 21year-old South African artist.
What or who inspires you at the moment and why?
I am inspired by old-school hand-painted signs, propaganda art and traditional techniques. I am also inspired by storytelling, archetypal figures, myths and ancient symbology. I’m interested in things that resonate with people; stories that can ring true but not be factually accurate; the creation of magical realism and breaking concepts down to a single idea or symbol which can represent a whole story.
Whose art would you love to own? Why?
I’d love to own an original Egon Schiele. I find his paintings intriguing.
Your work with different mediums. What is your current favourite?
At the moment it would have to be street art or painting — I‘d say whichever one I am giving the most attention to.
Do you have rituals that fuel your creativity?
I don’t have rituals so much as repeatedly just forcing myself to sit down and work. Once I’m focused, I’m usually able to tap into being creative.
What is the best part of being an artist and illustrator? And the worst?
One thing that I love about being an artist is that you can create your own form of language and communication through your work. You can make personal feelings and stories resonate on a large scale at the same time as remaining very intimate.
The thing I struggle with most is not being too hard on myself.
What are you listening to? And while you work?
While I work I mainly listen to podcasts. When I’m not working I’ve been listening to Moonchild Sanelly, Dee Koala, Sho Madjozi and lots of Wendy Rene and Kate Bush.
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, sensitive, restless.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To not wait until you have spare time to try do things you want to do; take that time and do the things.
What do you get up to on a Sunday afternoon?
For me, Sunday isn’t much different from any other day in the week, so most likely I will be painting or working on something. But when I take an afternoon off, I try to relax as much as possible. What could you not live without?
There are many things, but the first that comes to mind are podcasts. Most often, if I'm doing something, I’m also listening to a podcast.
Do you collect anything?
I am constantly collecting reference images, mainly photography, vintage advertising or work done in ancient styles and techniques.
How do you escape the pressures of modern life?
When I’m focused and working really hard on something I’m inspired by and invested in, for example, painting for hours at a time, I get into a headspace where I escape the “pressures” of life.
ellenalourens.com