Chantal Leonhardt is a 24-year-old watercolour artist based on Kangaroo Island, where she works from her studio gallery, Bloom. by the Ocean. Surrounded by ocean views and a sense of quiet isolation, her work draws deep inspiration from the natural landscape, feelings of nostalgia, and her own imagination. This creates soft, dreamlike worlds that sit somewhere between reality and memory. Her paintings often explore emotion, storytelling, and inner reflection, capturing ideas that are sometimes easier to express visually than in words.
In 2022, Chantal took a leap and chose to pursue art full-time, opening Bloom. by the Ocean as both her personal studio and a creative space for the local community. Since then, it has grown into a hub for connection, hosting exhibitions and workshops for artists of all ages and experience levels. Alongside her practice, Chantal shares her thoughts on creativity through writing and teaching, encouraging others to focus less on finding a fixed “style” and more on developing their own evolving artistic voice.
“An artist can have many styles, but only one voice.”
Your work is deeply inspired by Kangaroo Island, how does the landscape shape both the visual and emotional qualities of your paintings?
Kangaroo Island is a beautiful place to grow up in, and I’m very lucky to have my childhood here; from rolling hills, long white beaches, and turquoise waters, it’s a playground for creativity. Many of my works draw inspiration from the feeling of childhood, what it felt like to chase your curiosities, be free in your expression, and nurture your creativity. In that way Kangaroo Island has played a role in both why and what I create.
You’ve spoken about the importance of artistic voice over afixed style. How would you describe your voice right now, and how has it evolved over time?
When I first started painting, I didn't have a “why” or goal with what I wanted to communicate, and therefore my artistic voice was inconsistent. Even though your work may be different with each medium, its cohesion runs in what you want to say as an artist. Right now my artistic voice is fuelled by my passion to create and tell great stories, bring people along the journey, and inspire them to heal, change, or pursue their dreams.
Nostalgia seems to play a strong role in your work. What draws you to that feeling, and how do you translate it into visual form?
For me, nostalgia is recognising the importance of time passing. Life is full of fleeting moments; it's important you stop and be present for them. I also use nostalgia as a portal to take people back to the time when they were more creative or had fewer restraints on who they could be, in hope to inspire them to chase those lost dreams in their lives today.
You opened Bloom. by the Ocean at just 20 years old, what gave you the confidence to take that leap instead of continuing university?
Honestly? Depression. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but I truly was at the lowest point in my life the year before I decided to pursue art. One day I thought that life’s too short not to pursue your dreams; I have the opportunity now let’s to go for it! That’s not saying that this path has been easy, but having big dreams to strive for has given my life purpose.
Running a studio gallery while maintaining your own creative practice can be demanding. How do you balance being both an artist and a community facilitator?
I'm very lucky to have the best of both worlds, where people support my events, workshops, and exhibitions, but then tourist season dies down very rapidly after Easter, so for 9 months of the year I’m able to focus on my art and projects. It's also important to prioritise where you want to go in your career; next month I’ll be moving studios and will no longer be opening to the public every day as a gallery. It's ok to change your path as an artist and hone in on where you want to go in the future. I’ve found that I want to focus on events and classes and have the freedom to focus on my big illustrations and books!
You encourage artists to focus on why they create. What is your personal “why,” and has it changed since you began your journey?
My reason to create has always been to inspire people, to tell stories that reach people across time and space and give them a reason to pursue their dreams. This “why” has filtered into many subtopics, from connecting with your inner child to chasing your curiosities and so forth. I think this “why” will always be the cornerstone to why I create, but I see myself growing as an artist in the future to tell stories with political, historical depth as well.
“I want mypaintings to say what I can’t.”
Many emerging artists feel pressure to define a consistent style. What would you say to someone struggling with that expectation?
Instead of focusing on a consistent style, it's important to find and understand your "why." Everyone’s journey is different, but once I discovered why I want to create, I was able to discern what medium (watercolour) was best to tell my story and communicate my vision. I truly believe the only way to create your own art style is by creating more art and learning to be consistent with what you love using.
“Growth comes from stepping outside what feels safe.”
Taking risks is a recurring theme in your story. What has been your biggest creative or personal risk so far, and what did it teach you?
I mean, that’s a hard one! Each risk has been different. Running my art exhibition in Adelaide or my Daydreamer’s art and music festival were both very financially risky and a lot of mental behind-the-scenes work with no reward. Opening my own gallery was also risky, but at the end of the day, if I failed, I knew I would have the skills for a full-time job. At the moment I guess I would say illustrating my picture book for two years; it is the hardest I’ve ever worked for something, the most I’ve ever sacrificed for, and perhaps the most I’ve invested in, so I hope the risk of this project pays off. We shall see very soon!
“I create to connect people back to their dreams.”
You’ve hosted over 50 workshops—what have you learned from teaching others about creativity and artistic growth?
I’ve learned that creativity can open a door for people to get in touch with who they are—their passions, struggles, or something that was hidden away. I've learned that people are much more creative than they say they are! I also do get a kick when people realise watercolour is not that easy, and they find a newfound appreciation for my work (hehe).
What do you hope visitors feel or take away when they step into Bloom. by the Ocean or experience your work for the first time?
I hope they step into a little oasis of creativity. Where each work is a portal to their dreams.
