Lars Henkel

Having studied Illustration and Visual Communication in Aachen, Lars Henkel completed his postgraduate qualification at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne. He was also awarded scholarships to study in Portugal for six months and also at the Academy Solitude in Stuttgart.

Lars works as a lecturer for illustration in Germany and is much in demand as a contemporary illustrative artist. Ideas for his work are discovered in all manner of places and objects - from visiting art galleries to watching television documentaries. But for him, inspiration is most elusive when the brain is focussed on the minutiae of everyday life and looming deadlines.

With its subtle muted colours and an intriguing combination of figures and natural objects, the picture that Lars has created for lavie & belle explores an unusual dimension of friendship - the dependencies it brings and our unbreakable connection to the environment and other living creatures.

"My picture is titled 'Konrad Lorenz with his grey geese' and features the famous psychologist who studied the social behaviour of these animals," he says. "The way he became part of their social and daily life is a great example of a special bond between different creatures. His unique achievement in science would have never been possible without his passion, dedication and special connection to the animals."

'Konrad Lorenz with his grey geese' by Lars Henkel
lavie & belle friendship collection 2009/2010