Artist in conversation: Luna Stender
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
Art has always been a huge part of my life - it captivated me from an early age. I remember walking through the halls of ArtCologne with my father, wide-eyed and inspired by the sheer power of visual expression. Painting soon became more than just a hobby; it was a form of release, a safe space where I could transform personal experiences and emotions into something tangible and meaningful.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
I do have certain rituals, most of my work happens late at night, when the world is quiet and I can be entirely alone with my thoughts. I need solitude to create; it’s in that stillness that something begins to stir. My motifs rarely come to me fully formed - they reveal themselves gradually, emerging organically through the process of making.
You describe your early works as a combination of vibrant colors and comic characters, with emotional layers. How do you feel this approach has evolved since starting your studies at HBK, and what new techniques or concepts have you incorporated into your work?
I’ve learned to work with a deeper sense of focus. Being surrounded by fellow students at university has opened my eyes to a much broader spectrum of inspiration, far beyond the comic figures and familiar faces that once dominated my work. Now, I find myself gravitating toward my own original motifs, exploring ideas that feel new and uncharted. The process has become more intentional, more reflective. And yes, sometimes the professors are quite strict - but their criticism pushes me to refine and challenge myself in ways I never would have on my own.
4. Your paintings are described as personal diary entries, with color, form, and handwritten notes reflecting your thoughts and feelings. How do you approach conveying deeply personal emotions through visual elements, and what do you hope the viewer connects with when experiencing your pieces?
Art helps me process certain experiences. When people look at my work, they’re also seeing me, my inner world. I don’t feel the need to hide anything; there’s nothing I’m trying to conceal. Of course, not everything is immediately visible in the pieces themselves, some layers act as a kind of protective veil. But even that veil can dissolve for those who choose to look closely. And that’s okay. I’m at peace with being seen for who I am and what I am. People are warmly invited to get to know me through my paintings and in fact, I genuinely wish for that.
Can you share a particular project that stands out to you and explain the creative process behind it?
I remember one painting in particular - it’s been sold now but I worked on it over the course of several months, constantly returning to it. Eventually, the canvas was so full that there was no room left to add anything new. So I began painting over the original motif, again and again. There was no clear ending. I had to force myself to stop. That piece holds so much within it - no diary in the world could have captured what that painting contains.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I do make a conscious effort to stay true to myself and my artistic direction. At the same time, I’m open to constructive criticism - especially when it offers real insight or helpful guidance. But beyond that, my attitude is quite simple: you either connect with the work, or you don’t.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Because I truly can’t imagine a life without art, I remain inspired and motivated - even on days when that energy feels a little quieter. Art is the core of my existence; it gives meaning to everything I do. So the idea of ever stopping simply doesn’t exist for me - it’s not even a thought.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Exhibiting with The Holy Art Gallery is a great honor and an incredible opportunity. The reach and diversity of the audience alone are something I deeply value. I truly hope to take part in more exhibitions with them in the future - maybe even in more distant places. Until now, I’ve mostly exhibited in Germany, though I did have one show in China.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My foremost goal is to move and inspire people with my work. Beyond that, one of my biggest dreams is to exhibit at ArtCologne and to become a well-known name within the art world. Art is simply my life. And one day, I would love to teach at an art university - to share what I’ve learned and experienced with future artists.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion is at the heart of everything I create. For me, painting is not just a visual act. It‘s a form of emotional release and reflection. Every color, every gesture, every and written note carries a part of my inner world. I don’t necessarily aim to guide the viewer toward a specific feeling, but rather to offer a space where they can sense something honest, something real. Some emotions are clear and immediate, others are buried under layers of paint and texture but they’re always there, waiting to be discovered.
