We recently connected with Lena Dechamps and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lena , thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents are perfect duals sides to a seamless parenting coin. My father: a focused (true) German engineer who felt to earn an allowance as a 4 year old was the perfect time to learn to balance a checkbook and my mother, the gentlest woman who’s work in the local theatre meant we spent afternoons doing homework under set design and those day’s notes. Both German, moving to the states a year before my twin and I was born (my father claims another feat of German engineering, to birth children in 2 – a pure example of productivity and efficiency) they were disciplined in their child rearing. However, despite a more strict, yard-work laced childhood, I consider myself to be the luckiest to have had their world views. My father is the left side of my brain: number skills, reasoning, scientific skills… his legacy is my organization, my need for order and structure. I move more easily through this world under the guidance of the habits he instilled. My mother nurtured the right side of my brain: more emotional, intuitive, and creative. She leads with emotional intelligence, she can see you – really see you. She sees the beauty in this world and also sees the humanity in the darker recesses, both to be cared for equally. I have inherited their best traits. I have also grown as an individual in the free space they provided without judgement and pressure to allow me to end in this creative space. Their ability to allow me to feel both capable and free to pursue my own path is how I have arrived at my current position as a (happy) artist.
Lena , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
boneBLACK was birthed after my house was full. The walls had been painted and re-painted many times, then covered in an ever revolving series of reordered frames. The shelves were full of tools and supplies, my brain was too full.
Having drawn and created purely for my own joy and for close friends and family, I had found a moment of confidence to begin sharing with the outside world.
My work comes with the primary focus of making your space feel like yours. To be able to surround oneself with pieces and scrapes of this world that make you feel like the better version of oneself/to feel like the rough parts are worthy/to feel cooler/more capable/okay/sad/hopeful/
This work varies wildly. My primary focuses include murals, custom installations for creative spaces/bars & restaurants, hand painted clothing, and branding and merch design. I adore the mural and creative design as they can have such transformative qualities for a business. They easily enhance business spaces by creating a unique and memorable atmosphere that not only attracts customers but also fosters a sense of identity and community, ultimately contributing to a more inviting and engaging environment. Likewise with branding and merch – to be to collaborate with another business and assist in growing their vision with my own personal vision makes me the happiest. I bring a unique blend of organization, creativity, and humor to every project. My meticulous planning ensures a smooth creative process, while my imaginative designs breathe life and originality into your endeavors.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The goal feels quite simple if I really break it down: to keep creating in a manner that continues to make myself and my clientele happy. The goal is to not lose the joy, not to create for the sole purpose of meeting a deadline. I hate to say it in such a way, as it often feels too idealistic; to keep a sheer love of artistic expression, ensuring that my work remains a genuine reflection of my passion feels like an artist’s daydreaming. However, by prioritizing this authenticity, I aim to preserve the intrinsic happiness that comes from creating art while delivering meaningful and inspiring work to others.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Living in solely self-drive creative spaces often leaves one feeling vulnerable. I grapple with self-doubt and perfectionism. There are moments when I question the worthiness of my ideas and fear that they may not resonate with others. This self-doubt can be paralyzing, preventing me from taking creative risks.
To combat these tendencies, I actively remind myself that creativity is subjective, and not every piece needs to be universally acclaimed. I focus on the process of creation rather than fixating on the end result, which helps alleviate the pressure to achieve perfection. Additionally, seeking feedback and constructive criticism from trusted peers or mentors offers valuable perspective and helps me refine my work.
Moreover, I’ve learned to set realistic goals and embrace imperfections as part of the creative journey. By acknowledging that mistakes and experimentation are essential to growth, I’m able to overcome the paralyzing effects of perfectionism and continue creating with greater confidence and enjoyment.
Contact Info:
- Website: boneblackstore.com
- Instagram: @boneblackstore
Image Credits
All are taken by me!