A Gift to the Ocean: The Art of Lhean Storm

Lhean Storm is a Filipino visual artist based in Manila, whose work is heavily shaped by underground music culture. Her art carries a surreal, psychedelic vibe while staying grounded in nature and the real experiences of everyday life. Her visuals act as a mirror for the viewer, pulling them into vivid, dreamlike spaces that encourage self-reflection and personal discovery.

In recent years, Lhean has moved into digital art, broadening her creative practice beyond traditional canvas and paper. Living close to the ocean, her work has increasingly taken inspiration from the sea, its marine life, and environmental conservation. Alongside nature, she also weaves in music, human psychology, and spiritual concepts into her pieces.

We spoke with Lhean about her artwork, creative process, and what inspires her.

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

I began pursuing digital art seriously during the pandemic. I purchased an iPad mini to help calm my anxiety during lockdown, and I was excited to explore new mediums outside of traditional art. Around the same time, I discovered NFTs and crypto art, which motivated me to create more digital pieces.

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

I find inspiration in nature, human psychology — the good and the bad — music, wildlife, ocean conservation, and spiritual themes. These days, living by the coast, my work has centered more on the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it.

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

One of my favorite past projects is the Song A Day NFT collaboration with Jonathan Mann. It perfectly combined my two passions: music and art. Working alongside a musician was incredibly inspiring. Jonathan is still one of the most hardworking and consistent creators in the NFT space, releasing a new song every single day. That level of commitment goes far beyond trends and market fluctuations. Creating art for his songs was a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

My current ongoing project centers on raising awareness for ocean conservation. I’ve thought about launching it as an independent project, separate from my personal brand, so it may continue to develop over time. Why is it so meaningful to me? It’s my gift to the ocean — the place that always brings me the greatest joy.

What is a profound childhood memory?

When I was in third grade, I joined an art competition with an earth and environmental theme. I was surrounded by other young artists, parents, and teachers after we’d finished our on-the-spot entries and the judging was complete. When they announced me as the first-place winner, someone commented, “The only rose among the thorns.” That’s when I realized all the other contestants were boys, and I was the only girl. Funny enough, it never mattered to me at the time.

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

Sometimes, new ideas simply come to me as I write. More importantly, blogging gives art collectors insight into what drives my creativity, what inspired a specific piece, the story behind it, where I am in life, and my current mindset. These reflections keep me grounded and provide perspective, letting me see how I’ve grown as a person. Even if others don’t always understand the process, writing creates a connection between my works, bringing a sense of cohesion to my art. Plus, if social media ever fades away, I’ll still have my blog.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love riding my bicycle. Sometimes, as I cycle along the beach with wind in my hair and on my face, I yell out, “Freedom!”

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

Some of my most memorable moments are when people interpret my work in completely different ways than I intended, finding their own meaning within it. Sometimes they see themselves in the art, or it brings back a personal memory. I cherish those moments because it means my art has become more than just my expression — it’s now part of their story too.

This is one reason I prefer visual art over words. With language, misreadings or assumptions often feel negative. But with art, it’s different. The connection is more open and fluid. A viewer’s perspective doesn’t distort the work; it expands it.