Lhean Storm is a Filipino visual artist based in Manila whose work is deeply influenced by underground music culture. Lhean’s art often carries a trippy, psychedelic energy while remaining rooted in nature and the realities of life. Her imagery serves as a mirror for viewers, drawing them into vivid, dreamlike worlds that invite personal reflection and discovery.

In recent years, Lhean has embraced digital art, expanding her practice beyond traditional mediums of canvas and paper. Living near the sea, her work has increasingly drawn inspiration from the ocean, its creatures, and themes of conservation. Alongside nature, she also channels music, human psychology, and spiritual ideas into her creations.

We asked Lhean about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

I started taking digital art seriously during the pandemic. I bought an iPad mini to help ease my anxiety during the lockdown, and I was eager to try new things beyond traditional art. Around that same time, I discovered NFTs and crypto art, which inspired me to create more digital works.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

I draw inspiration from nature, human psychology- good or bad, music, wildlife, ocean conservation, and spiritual themes. These days, living near the sea, my work has become more focused on the ocean and the creatures that call it home.

Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces or a past or upcoming project? What makes them special to you?

My favorite past project is the Song A Day NFT collaboration with Jonathan Mann, as it perfectly captured my love for both music and art. Working with a musician was deeply inspiring,Jonathan remains one of the most hardworking and consistent voices in the NFT space, still creating a song every single day. That kind of dedication goes beyond hype and market volatility. Creating artworks for his songs was a truly unique journey.

My ongoing project focuses on promoting ocean conservation. I’ve considered making it a standalone project, separate from my name, so it may evolve along the way. What makes it special to me? It’s my gift to the ocean, the place that always makes me happiest.

What is a profound childhood memory?

I was in third grade, joining an art competition with an earth/environment theme, surrounded by kid artists, parents, and teachers. We’d just finished the judging phase after submitting our on-the-spot artworks. When my name was called as the Top One winner, someone said, “The only rose among the thorns.” That’s when it struck me, every other contestant was a boy, and I was the only girl. Funny, because to me, it didn’t even matter.

You also blog about digital art — what kind of an impact do you think reflecting on your practice has on your work?

Sometimes, when I write, new ideas naturally surface. More importantly, it gives art collectors a glimpse into what drives me to create, what inspired a piece, the journey behind it, where I am in life right now, and my current headspace. These reflections help keep me grounded and offer perspective, allowing me to see my own evolution as a person. Even if others don’t always understand the process, writing creates a sense of connection between my works, bringing a kind of coherence to my art. Also, when Social Media shuts down one day, I have my blog.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love riding my bicycle and sometimes when I ride along the beach with the wind blowing my hair and on my face, I scream, “Freedom!”

Have there been any surprising or memorable responses to your work?

The most memorable moments are when people see something entirely different from what I intended, when they find their own meaning in my work. Sometimes, they see themselves in it, or it reminds them of a personal experience. I love those moments because it means the art has become more than just my expression, it’s become part of their story too.

This is one reason I prefer visual art over words, when it happens with language, it often feels like misinterpretation or assumption. But with art, it’s different. The relationship is more open, more fluid. The viewer’s perspective doesn’t distort the work; it expands it.