Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janne Larsen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Janne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I grew up in a very rural part of the country where we grew, preserved, and raised our own food. When I left for college, I was relieved to be free of the chore of weeding. Yet, here I am, daily communing with plants. It seems you can never escape your past. The joy I find in discovering the color potential in plants is like uncovering hidden treasures. This passion led me to my artistic purpose: creating connections between people and the plants around them. I want people to be intrigued by how a flower changes color throughout the day, the uniqueness of a female tree, or the presence of native parasites. I believe that if people feel connected to the ground beneath their feet, they will be inspired to be better stewards of the land they inhabit.
When I realized my high school students could not name a single plant we started foraging and finding plants together and then my interest in botanical inks took over my life. Since that time I have taught many workshops around different plants in LA and Hawaii. Through teaching these workshops I wanted to find other uses for the same plants and so I have been dabbling in fruit wine. Alas, following in my mother’s footsteps.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I developed Ms. Larsen’s Botanical Inks and Drinks to offer a unique introduction to the fascinating world of botanical inks and fruit wines. Drawing from the diverse plant life in Los Angeles, I’ve crafted a color palette that not only captures the historical and ecological significance of these plants but also demonstrates how a thoughtfully curated four-color palette can vividly represent the local environment. This approach allows us to appreciate and celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world right in our own backyards. A long with the Los Angeles Ink Kit, I’ve respectfully created the Desert Ink Kit and the Hawaiian Ink Kit, each tailored to highlight the distinctive colors and qualities of plants from these specific regions made with plants I’ve sourced myself (I always try to collect in a minimal and ecologically sensitive way and always with permission).

The winemaking term “terroir” is central to my approach and refers to how the soil, climate, and other environmental factors uniquely influence the taste of a region’s wine. This concept is particularly inspiring because it parallels my vision for botanical inks. Just as terroir imparts distinct flavors to wine, the local plants used in our inks reflect the unique colors of their environment. My goal is to create a similar connection through botanical inks by helping people explore and understand the uses of local plants and fostering a deeper relationship with them. This connection not only enriches our appreciation of the natural world but also promotes a more sustainable and localized culture. As a small example, the native California Dodder is a parasite that as a seed senses the plant it can survive on and grows from that seed onto that plant. After it has a strong connection it is released from the soil and only gathers it’s nutrients from it’s host plant. It only grows on specific plants. When I collected the dodder to make ink, I carefully sorted the dodder growing from ephedra, buckwheat, black sage and salt bush. Each of these groupings produced a different shade of ink. To me, this was fascinating and just a small example of how plants have so many lessons to teach us.

With my wine making skills, My hope is to support those who may find themselves with an abundance of fruit from their loquat trees or blackberries but lack the time or resources to utilize it all. As an on-call vintner, I offer a solution to these challenges by transforming excess produce into unique botanical creations. My service involves not just the creation of botanical inks or fruit wines, but also the delivery of a product that embodies the exact terroir of the client’s backyard. Approximately six months to a year after processing, I provide a finished product that captures the unique essence of their local environment, offering a tangible link to the very soil and plants from which it originated.

Through Ms. Larsen’s Botanical Inks and Drinks, I aim to foster a greater appreciation for local flora and promote sustainable practices. By turning excess produce into beautifully crafted inks and wines, I help individuals connect with the environment in a meaningful way, contributing to a more engaged and environmentally conscious community.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Initially, my parents were not very supportive of my decision to study art, which I think is common because many parents want their children to have a solid foundation in life. Their skepticism became a powerful motivation for me. I was determined to succeed because I felt like no one believed I would. As a result, everything I’ve achieved has been through my own agency.

As a parent now, I would love to support whatever my kids choose to do. However, I also recognize that rebellion and autonomy are incredibly valuable for growth. I used to advise my students to have a backup plan, but I now see that this can sometimes undermine the drive to succeed or fail trying. Very few people set out to do just one thing and stick to it; it’s the winding paths and unexpected detours that often lead us where we need to be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being an artist is an incredible privilege that comes with an immense amount of freedom. As artists, we have the extraordinary ability to bend and sometimes even break the rules of convention. We can take any skill or interest and weave it into our creative practice. Perhaps coming across as egotistical, artists will delve into almost anything with no prior knowledge and claim an expertise in it.

This freedom allows us to embrace our quirks and eccentricities without apology. We can indulge in our weirdness and explore unconventional ideas because our art thrives on originality and innovation. It’s a truly liberating experience—one that encourages us to see the world from fresh perspectives and experiment with new forms of expression.

With this remarkable privilege, I believe we have a responsibility to find and revel in the absolute joy that comes with our craft. We’re tasked with pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, constantly challenging norms, and thinking in new, imaginative ways. Our role in the world is not just to create, but to inspire others to see things differently and to explore their own creativity.

In that sense, our artistic endeavors might seem self-indulgent or egotistical, but they serve a larger purpose. By pushing boundaries and embracing our unique visions, we contribute something valuable to the world. We serve as a reminder for everyone to question the norms that sometimes seem a little too constricting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cargocollective.com/jannelarsen
• Instagram: Mslarsensbotanicalinks
• Facebook: mslarsensbotanicalinks