We recently connected with Fleur Optekamp and have shared our conversation below.

Fleur , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My journey into a creative path began in the early 90’s during high school. I moved from Munich, Germany, to a small, quaint town in Virginia. The change was significant; transitioning from a vibrant city brimming with various inspirations to a quiet Southern town where the beautiful river was the main inspiration for creativity. That was quite an adjustment.
My interest in visual arts had always been encouraged by worldly and charismatic mother, who took me often to different art museums globally. I began to realize that I was ready to create art myself. Upon starting at my new school in Virginia, I enrolled in a studio art class taught by a stylish, enlightening, and influential teacher. She encouraged me to explore various art projects and introduced me further to both modern and historical artists.
My most memorable art project at the time, was a black-and-white paper collage in bold forms and figures that conveyed deep human stories. Although that piece is now lost through many travels and moves, I can still see it in my mind. It was the first piece that sparked a passion for studio art, leading me to understanding my future path. While learning the fundamentals of design during studio art classes, I became intrigued with the concept of visual art and interior design interwoven. This new fascination ultimately led me to study studio art and interior design at university, paving the way for my career in both creative industries.

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

After graduating from university in the United States and working part-time at a high-end furniture showroom, I moved to New York City to pursue my career. There, I joined a well respected boutique design studio that focused on high-end residential projects. The owners greatly influenced my design development, while fine-tuning my creative eye and style. I am forever grateful for their mentoring during this time. Living in New York’s vibrant design and art scene was an unforgettable experience.
After New York, Sydney, Australia was my next destination.  I faced challenges finding work despite my NYC experience, as studios preferred local expertise. Determined to succeed, I walked through Sydney’s artistic neighbourhood’s with printed resumes, introducing myself to local firms. One helpful woman recommended me to a design firm where she thought I was a good fit. This firm focused more on hotel design which was different from my NYC work; however, they saw potential and valued my style / experience.
Growing up in international hotels, as my father was a hotel manager, I felt a connection to the design work as hotels were my previous homes. From then on, I worked on high-end luxury hospitality and residential projects in Australia, Thailand, Singapore, India, Fiji, New Caledonia, Europe, the United States, and Indonesia. Eventually, a move to Melbourne took place, such an inspiring and energizing city. I worked for other renowned interior design firms. As time progressed, I began incorporating my visual art more frequently into the interior design projects, through custom products like carpets, textiles, furniture, and wall coverings.
While pursuing interior and product design, I continued to create visual art on the side, primarily paper collage, photography, and mixed media. I exhibited my works in Sydney and Melbourne, including high-end international hotels. Besides interior projects, and private visual art projects, my collage art was commissioned for social events. One highlight was a 10K attendee arts and music festival. This project included conceptualizing and developinh the festival theme and art which was used on all social media platforms, flyers, the main stage set design, & merchandise. The exposure of this festival led me to many collaborations with musicians and event planners worldwide.
Over time I realized that my growing passion was in visual arts and product design for interiors. Acknowledging this, I recently decided I was ready to start a new chapter by creating my own firm and brand – Studio Fleur .  I am feeling optimistic, and busy getting my business off the ground and have a few projects underway plus I will be exhibiting some of my visual arts in December. This has been a significant transition, where I finally felt ready to take the leap with confidence and courage, knowing the experience and contacts I attained over 20+ years, would support my decision. Although leaving my last firm was challenging, we will continue to collaborate on projects. My creative services will be tailored for private clients, product manufacturer’s, interior designers, architects and fashion designers, who are seeking a specific customized product design, visual arts or design support specifically to their projects while working within budgets. Very exciting times!

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and interior designer is inspiring clients or viewers with my creations, that enhance their sense of comfort, calmness, excitement, or happiness in their surroundings.
Collaborating with clients on their vision is particularly fulfilling, whether I’m delivering a unique art piece, a customized 1-off product design, or a carefully curating a interior space. Ultimately, the process of bringing something innovative and extraordinary to life from the ground up is incredibly satisfying and rewarding.  Plus I thrive on creating visual aesthetics, buzzing from the creative process at times!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to successfully establish my new firm & brand, while collaborating with clients globally on diverse projects. I will utilize my various creative services, being mindful of the budget, ensuring customization to their specific visual requests, spaces, or brands. Each project will be unique and tailored specifically for them.

When I think about my actual life goal and dream, it has always been to exhibit my works in a renowned art museum, somewhere in the world. Exhibiting at MoMA, Bilboa, or a similar inspiring establishment would be the ultimate, always dream high…

Contact Info:

• Website: studiofleur.com.au
• Instagram: fleur.optekamp & studi.o.fleur