Tanja Leuenberger – Art as a Quiet Force
- ARTISTIC HUB MAGAZINE
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
SWITZERLAND
Tanja Leuenberger – aka Lionhill – doesn’t create art to depict the world around her, but to feel it from within, to translate it into emotion and give it shape. Her work cannot be understood through technique alone – it must be experienced. Blending traditional and contemporary media, intuition and reflection, she builds a visual language that touches what words cannot reach. The colours, textures and symbols in her pieces aren’t decorative – they are traces of inner states, silent questions, and moments of discovery. Through this interview, she offered us a glimpse not only into her creative process, but into the subtle world of quiet, complexity, and gentle resistance her art so deeply embodies.
Every artist follows a unique path, and the moment they realize that art is their true calling often unfolds gradually. How did your artistic journey begin, and what moved you most to dedicate yourself fully to creative expression?
Art has always been more than just a hobby to me. It has been my outlet, my language, my way of processing impressions from society and my surroundings. I started drawing and painting as a child, but for a long time I kept my work hidden, almost as if it was meant only for me. It took time to understand that art doesn’t have to remain a private expression, that it can also be a way to reach others, to make them reflect, and maybe even to inspire. This realization didn’t come overnight. It was a process, slow and subtle. But eventually, it became clear. I no longer wanted to keep my work to myself. Today, my goal is to share it with the world, as an invitation to discover new perspectives and to find something of one’s own emotions within it.
Your artistic practice spans a variety of techniques and styles, from painting and digital art to mixed media. How did you find your voice within this diversity, and how has your approach evolved over time?
I’ve never set limits in my creative process. To me, art is a boundless playground where anything is possible. The range of techniques and materials constantly opens up new avenues of expression. Painting, digital art and mixed media are not separate disciplines in my mind, but parts of a greater whole that enrich one another. Combining different media gives my work its energy, its uniqueness, and often an element of surprise, both for myself and the viewer. Over time, my approach has become more deliberate. Where I used to work more instinctively, I now approach the fusion of techniques with greater awareness. Still, curiosity and a desire to experiment remain my driving force. That’s where the magic of art truly lies for me.
The creative process is not only an act of making, it’s a continuous journey of exploration, inspiration, and discovery. What does your process look like, from the first idea to the finished piece?
My creative process is far from linear. My mind is constantly filled with ideas, more than I could ever realize in one lifetime. That’s why I often jot down thoughts in a notebook or on sticky notes, just to keep track of them. But some ideas won’t let go, and that’s when I know I need to act on them immediately. Sometimes, the creative flow stalls, and when that happens, I set the piece aside and wait for the spark to return. I always work on several projects at once and follow my intuition to decide which one to develop further at any given moment. The original idea often shifts along the way. Sometimes I paint over parts of a work, and that opens up an entirely new direction or meaning. Knowing when a piece is truly finished remains one of the greatest challenges, because, in theory, a painting could keep evolving forever.
Colour and texture play a central role in your work, and there’s often a strong emotional dimension present. How intuitively do you approach colour and form, and do you always know in advance what the finished piece will look like?
I often begin with a clear idea in mind, but that idea transforms again and again throughout the process. I make a conscious choice to follow the dynamic of creation itself. I choose colours and forms intuitively, as reflections of my mood at the time, and as vessels for emotions that can’t be put into words. I’m particularly drawn to contrasts and unconventional compositions, because they create tension and depth. Sometimes a piece takes a completely unexpected turn. I might paint over certain areas or reshape the structure until it feels right to me. The process stays alive, and that’s exactly what makes each of my works unique.
Your art carries deep symbolism, blending visual aesthetics with introspection and emotion. How do you choose your subjects and elements, and how important is it to you that your work invites personal reflection in the viewer?
For me, art is a way to express emotion and, at the same time, create space for personal reflection. I don’t choose subjects and elements based on fixed criteria. I follow what moves me from within, whether it’s a feeling, a social issue, or a personal impression. My aim is to touch people on an emotional level and encourage them to discover their own thoughts and experiences within my work. Still, the meaning of a piece doesn’t lie solely in my intention. Art is subjective, and each person brings their own perception to it. That’s what fascinates me most. The same piece can trigger entirely different interpretations and resonate in unique ways. That openness is what keeps art alive for me, and it continues to inspire me again and again.
Artists are constantly exploring new themes and forms of expression, while also recognising defining moments in their growth. Looking back, which key turning points would you highlight in your development, and where do you see your work heading next?
One of the most defining moments in my artistic journey was the realization that my art doesn’t only serve me, but can also inspire others to express their own emotions creatively. I’m always moved when I see people connecting with their feelings through art. The meditative experience of entering a creative flow is a gift. In those moments, I lose all sense of time and space and simply follow where the muse takes me. I want to share that feeling with others and encourage them to get creative themselves, because for many, accessing their own emotions isn’t easy. Art can be a healing process that sets something free, without a single word. Going forward, I want to make my work even more visible and am excited to see where the journey will lead me next.
While the audience often interprets art in very personal ways, the artist usually knows when a piece truly resonates. Was there a response to your work that surprised or left a lasting impression on you?
As I mentioned earlier, art lives in the eye of the viewer, and that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating. I often receive feedback from people around me who interpret my work in completely different ways. I’m always surprised by how diverse those responses can be, and that’s what I love about it. It shows me that every person sees the world through a different lens, and that no two eyes perceive the same thing. This diversity of reaction leaves a deep impression on me and reinforces what I believe. Art is a personal and intimate process. It’s incredible how deeply a piece can resonate when it meets someone’s unique perspective.
In conversation with Tanja Leuenberger, aka Lionhill, it becomes clear that art is not a goal, but a trace left behind when we allow our truth to speak. Her works don’t ask to be interpreted, they ask to be met. Through a creative process that doesn’t follow rules but follows authenticity, she shows how powerful introspection and honesty can be as tools of connection. Her words, much like her paintings, remind us that art is not an escape from reality, but its most intimate reflection. And perhaps that’s why what she creates truly lingers.
