
Olga Markens
Artista
Amstelveen, Netherlands
Biografia
I am an Amsterdam-based artist and surface designer, originally from Belarus. My work is deeply inspired by the natural world, traditional craftsmanship, and the relationship between people and plants. Through both mixed media and botanical compositions, I explore themes of sustainability, growth, and our connection to nature.
A central part of my practice is creating artwork from straw that I grow myself in my garden. From seed to finished piece, I guide the entire process: cultivating the plants, harvesting the stalks, preparing and ironing the straw by hand, and transforming it into intricate floral and botanical compositions. This slow, tactile process allows me to work with a renewable material while celebrating its natural textures, colors, and subtle variations.
My visual language combines organic forms with a contemporary aesthetic, drawing inspiration from garden plants, wildflowers, folk traditions, and modern design. Whether working with straw, paint, paper, or other mixed media materials, I aim to create pieces that evoke calm, curiosity, and a sense of connection to the living world.
Sustainability is not only a subject in my work but also a guiding principle in my creative process. By using ecological materials and handcraft techniques, I seek to demonstrate how art can emerge from simple natural resources while honoring the beauty and resilience of nature.
My work invites viewers to slow down, look closely, and rediscover the extraordinary details found in everyday plants and landscapes

