^Photography credit - P1xels
Manda Lane is a Melbourne-based botanical artist renowned for her intricate murals, paper installations, and laneway pasteups.
Practicing out of Everfresh Studios in Collingwood, she draws inspiration from native Australian flora, as well as local untamed urban weeds.
Using plants as her main subject matter, she is interested in the ways in which nature reclaims space.
Her artistic journey began around 2016, sketching during lunch breaks at work. This practice evolved into a passion for recreating florals, leading her to explore various mediums, with an ongoing illustration practice underpinning all of her work.
In 2020, she ventured into paper-cut artworks, fixated on the patient and meticulous process of handcutting paper and the medium's versatility.
Paper is often seen as a light, weaker material but in her larger scale installation papercuts, Manda likes to draw attention to the strength and durability of paper.
Her papercut work has seen her commissioned for a variety of projects in recent years, including artwork for the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Visit Victoria, sculptural public art opportunities with Merri-bek Council, gallery exhibitions and private collections.
Her art practice also carries across to murals, where she regularly handpaints florals, exploring ways to depict larger plants climbing up and across surfaces. Her murals usually feature intensely tangled detail coupled with larger botanical features, playfully depicting nature at different scales interacting with the surfaces they are painted on.
This mural work has seen her commissioned by the National Gallery of Victoria to paint for the 2022 Architectural Commission, as well as for Dorsett Hotel Melbourne, Metro Tunnel, local councils and numerous private commissions in Victoria and NSW.
Manda's work is traditionally characterized by a monochromatic palette, however in 2024 she commenced more consistent colour explorations in her work. Blending traditional botanical illustrations with contemporary tattoo aesthetics, she is also inspired by elements around her local environment, including overgrown corners of Collingwood.
Beyond commissioned pieces, Manda actively contributes to Melbourne's urban art scene, often installing hand-cut paper artworks in laneways and public spaces. Her dedication to integrating art with the environment reflects her commitment to celebrating the resilience and beauty of nature within urban landscapes.
Previous clients include:
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV 2022/23, Temple of Boom)
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Melbourne
Bendigo Art Gallery
Dorsett Hotel, Melbourne
Agriculture Victoria
Visit Victoria
Metro Tunnel project
Melbourne Design Week
St Kilda Botanical Gardens
ABC Arts (Tiny Oz)
Various local councils and private clients across Victoria and NSW, Australia.
Media appearances include:
Artist Profile
NGV magazine
Officeworks' 'Noteworthy' magazine
Broadsheet
The Guardian
Better Homes and Gardens' magazine
ABC Radio National's The Art Show, and
Joy FM