We always look forward to new pieces by Lene, and appreciate how she manages to capture the hidden beauty or interesting aspect of even the most ordinary of events or objects in her work. We also love that she sometimes creates her pieces by incorporating unusual materials, often re-cycled. Here is a little more about Lene, what she does and how she goes about creating her art. Happy reading!

Please tell us a bit about yourself, and the journey you took to become an artist.

I’m originally from Denmark, but spent most of my childhood in Belgium. In 1995 I moved to England to study Graphic design at London College of Printing (which is now London College of Communication). When I finished, I realised quite quickly that I didn’t want to work in an office, so started doing graphic art instead and haven’t looked back.

What helped you to get to where you are today? Are there any people, events, or experiences that encouraged you or influenced you to do what it is that you do?

I think my sister, Tine Bladbjerg, has inspired me a lot. She’s a jeweller designer and for many years, we shared a studio, until she moved out last year to open a shop. I started out doing arts and craft shows with her.

What was the first piece of art that moved you? What was it about it that grabbed you?

Growing up in Brussels, I think it was probably Magritte. As I child, I really liked his ‘illustrative’ style and think it probably still influences me. He came from a graphic background too. 

Where do you get your inspiration from? Any tips for fellow artists who are having a bit of a dry spell?

I find inspiration everywhere. Anything can inspire me. Things that make me smile, things I hear or a simple thing as a flower or a tree. I always have a sketchbook with me that I write or draw ideas in and bring my camera everywhere. I often get inspiration when I’m travelling. 

I go back to my sketchbooks a lot when looking for inspiration for new pictures. 

Where do you work best from? Do you have any habits, or a routine, that help you harness your creativity?

I have a studio in Crystal Palace, where I love to be. I have 2 young boys, so at the moment my day is very affected by the school run…

I’m in my studio 3 days a week and 1 day in a printing studio. 

What was the latest piece of art that you bought yourself? If you could choose four pieces of work from the Artsnug collection, what would they be?

I love buying art! I do a lot of art fairs where I meet other artists, so like collecting their work. I think the last piece of art I bought was by a swedish illustrator, Staffan Gnosspelius, who lives in London. I have several of his pieces. The style is so different to mine, but I love it. 

I like a lot of the work on Artsnug, but four pieces that stand out to me are: Lucy Bainbridge ‘Hungerford bridge’, Olivier Leger ‘Seahorse’, Helen Bridges ‘Nightwatch’, Sabrina Kaici ‘Copper Foil Half Moon’

What is your current favourite piece in your own body of work? Why does it hold a special place in your heart?

I love gold and for years I’ve been trying to find a gold paint I could print with, that didn’t stick to the screen and I was very excited last year, when I found one. So I have done a series of gold prints; ‘Where flowers bloom’, ‘Chinese Whispers’, ‘Spring Fever’. They are all inspired by nature, which influences me a lot in my work. 

Anything else you would like to share with us?

Thanks for reading about me! You can see more behind the scenes pictures and what inspires me on my instagram Lene Bladbjerg.