Linnea Bast is turning nature into art

Linnea Bast’s art installations blur the lines between science and art, consisting of lush greens, native blooms, and hand-painted details.  Bast is the founder of Linnea Botanicals, a biophilic design firm based in both Brooklyn, New York and Delray Beach, Florida, where she creates custom moss walls, vertical gardens, and nature-inspired artwork that connects people back to the outdoors.

“I’ve always been drawn to art,” said Bast. “I started taking classes with my grandma from a young age. I was lucky to have so much exposure to art as a kid.”

Despite this early love for creating, Bast took what some might call a more practical path after college, working as a design consultant for five years. However, to her, that time wasn’t wasted. It gave her the financial stability to eventually pursue her dream of becoming a full-time artist.

In 2020, she went back to school to study horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, a decision that reignited her connection to plants and helped shape her current work. 

“It’s always nature,” she said when describing her art. “Painting plants and flowers is my favorite.”

Now, through Linnea Botanicals, she designs art that brings the outdoors in — literally. Her style combines the precision of scientific illustration with the airy, bright aesthetics of modern design. 

“I love for my botanical pieces to feel very realistic while still being light and bright,” Bast said.

Each of her projects starts with a location. She carefully considers where a piece will live, from the size of the wall to the vibe of the room.

“I like to choose native plants and where the piece will be hung,” Bast explained. “Once I see the room, decor, wall size, and overall aesthetic, it makes it much easier for me to choose a plant.”

While most of her work sticks to botanical themes, she occasionally branches out into ocean-inspired art, especially for Florida clients. But no matter the subject, her goal is to always make people feel more grounded and connected.

“I hope it makes them feel more calm and relaxed,” Bast said. “We spend so much time on our devices that I hope my work can help bring the outside in and inspire us to spend more time outside and appreciate nature.”

One of her favorite projects is a lichen installation for a high school outside Philadelphia. Public installations are something she hopes to do more of, especially in spaces like hospitals or botanical gardens.

“That was really special for me,” Bast said. “Knowing that my work would be seen in a more public setting felt really good.”

“Do the work that speaks to you! Work on pieces that make you excited! From a more practical perspective, though, also figure out what clients are looking for. To be an artist where you support yourself, you do need to sell,” Bast advised young creators hoping to follow a similar path. 

By Chloe Nepveux