Artist Interview – Alex LeHours
Firstly who are you and where & how did you grow up?
My name is Alex and I am an artist from Sydney. I specialize in painting and illustration (both hand-drawn and digital)
I was born just outside of London but have lived in Australia since I was 4. I had a very nice upbringing here in Australia. We first lived in Wauchope, then Lennox Heads and finally made our way down to Sydney, where I have spent most of my life.
Both my parents supported my interest in the creative field. I loved drawing as a kid and I was always encouraged to pursue my passions.
How do you think this affected you on your journey towards being an artist?
This definitely had a tremendous impact on my journey to becoming an artist. My family never stood in my way or gave me the lecture about pursuing only things that could one day get me a “real job”
Having the freedom to explore my interests in art helped my love for it grow. From there I knew I wanted to do something in the creative field as a career.
When or How did you know you wanted to be mural artist?
Although I have always loved art I didn’t ever think I would be painting murals for a living. I started out as a graphic designer. I have always loved mural art and followed a lot of artists around the world but when I was starting out as a designer I didn’t actually think I would become one myself.
My first mural job came about through one of my wife’s cousins. They worked in an office in the Sydney CBD and needed some artwork done on the walls. I had never painted a mural before so I got two friends of mine on board to help me. It took forever to complete but I learnt a lot. From there the mural work just seemed to snowball.
How did you learn to do what you do?
I had some basic painting skills from growing up and what I learnt at school and uni but I have learnt most of what I do on the job. There have been plenty of mistakes and definitely a lot of things I could do better when I look back now. I have taken on board advice from friends and other artists in the industry as well.
In saying that I am still learning. I don’t think you ever stop. There are always different technique’s and tricks you can learn to help achieve a better result.
Im constantly trying to push myself on each job so that it becomes the best thing I have ever created. I think its important to keep pushing yourself and wanting to learn. It helps in becoming the best artist you can be.
What is your dream project?
I don’t know if I have a dream project. I would love to travel more and get the chance to share my work all over the world.
I just grateful that people have an interest in my work and like to see what I create next.
I guess the ultimate dream is to be able to keep doing what I am doing until I can’t physically do it anymore
Are there any particular challenges or limitations you face as a mural artist, and how do you work around them?
There are challenges on every job. Whether it be the texture of the wall, access to difficult sections of the wall, logistical challenges with equipment etc
You just have to deal with it really. There is always a solution. I am never afraid to reach out for help so that happens a lot. Its always best to be upfront with what may be holding you back. From there it seems there is always a solution, whatever it may be.
Can you tell us about a particularly challenging project you undertook and how you overcame any obstacles during the process?
For me, the most challenging project I have ever taken on was a public mural that I painted back in 2021 here in Sydney. The wall as commissioned by The Inner West Council and it measured just over 300sqm. It was the largest mural I had ever painted in terms of square metres.
It took me just over 3 months to complete (I had included so much content and detail in it) and in that time we had quite extreme weather. The wall is completely exposed to the natural elements. One day it was pouring with torrential rain, the next day it was close to 40 degrees and I would struggle with heat stroke.
This project almost broke me. I did have some help from some friends but I painted the majority of it myself. There were definitely days that it all felt so overwhelming and I just wanted to run away. I had seriously underestimated the mammoth task of painting this piece. I just had to get on with it and push through. I also had to keep reminding myself of how lucky I am to be able to create pieces of this size for a living.
With all the challenges and tough days It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and it is one of my most favourite pieces I have created to date. I definitely learnt a lot from that experience and I now use that wall as a comparison to any future work I take on.
The reaction form the local community was fantastic and the fact that the public like it so much makes the struggles and challenges well worth it.
I am very hard on myself with my work (as a lot of people are with their own) but I can honestly say I am proud of that mural.
Could you share any memorable interactions or experiences you’ve had with community members or observers during the creation of your murals?
When painting a public wall there are always interactions with the viewers or on-lookers. I have been lucky in that all my interactions (while on site) have been positive.
There aren’t any real memorable or notable experiences but it is always very humbling when people resonate with your work. It is also nice when people see just how much effort and time goes into painting a mural and can appreciate it for what it is.
What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art?
As cliché as it sounds I take inspiration from everything. Anything that I like or catches my eye inspires me with my work. The older I get the more my taste and interest for certain things changes but I think that is a good thing. It helps my work to evolve.
There are so many incredible artists I follow both here in Australia and across the world. I think I take inspiration from all of them.
Did this help guide you to where you are today?
My interests and inspirations have definitely guided me to where I am today. You learn so much from the things and people that you take interest in. From there you use those experiences and findings to help develop yourself as an artist, even if you aren’t aware of it.
What are your personal goals now and in the future as a professional mural artist?
I want to keep working as a mural artist for as long as I can. As mentioned I would love to travel more and get the opportunity to create more of my work around the world.
As long as I can keep doing what I am doing and help to support my family I am happy.
Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)
Most of the work I do is alone but I love working and collaborating with others. My studio and office is set up at my home which is great but it can become lonely sometimes.
I really enjoy being on site and interacting with other people.
What direction do you feel your art is going?
I really want to keep exploring what I am doing now. It may change over time, as most things do, but for now I want to create pieces that reflect myself and my interests. I want to share my story through my art for as long as I can.
Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work
You can find more of Alex Lehours work at:
