From Skin to Steel: A Conversation with Brea Lanyon of House of Vanta

From Skin to Steel — and Everything in Between

We recently sat down with the brilliant mind behind House of Vanta, Brea Lanyon.

Brea is far more than a tattoo artist, she’s a sculptor, author, and creative force pushing the boundaries of what art can be. Her work explores permanence, transformation, and the intersections between skin, steel, and story.

In this interview, Brea shares insights into her daily creative practice, her essential tools, and the balance between creating for herself and creating for an audience.

1. What does a "day in the life" of your art practice actually look like?

“Right now, it’s rarely linear and rarely quiet. I’m working to carve out more dedicated time for my art practice, but most days are consumed by creative direction: digital sketching, sourcing materials, managing supplier communication, running consultations, admin, and content planning.

I still tattoo once or twice a week, and I study in between everything else. My actual art, the deeper creative work, usually happens late at night. That’s when I can finally sink into focus. I’m actively building systems to bring more structure and spaciousness into my days.”

2. What tools or materials are non-negotiable for you?

"Procreate on iPad paired with custom brush sets and line logic

MacBook for file prep, design communication, and system management

Silence, or specific sound frequencies like hertz-based soundscapes

Steel, from large-scale sculpture sheets to the tattoo needles she’s used for over a decade"

"Steel is my medium in all its forms.”

3. How do you balance creating for yourself vs. creating for an audience?

“If it’s commissioned, like a tattoo or custom panel, I’m designing for a specific story. But anything that comes through the Vanta studio as a product or exhibition piece is an extension of my personal vision.

I create what I want to see exist. If it resonates with the audience, that’s a bonus, but not the motive. My work is authored, not manufactured.”

 

4. What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

“Don’t wait for clarity. Build anyway.”

Protect your IP from day one. Trademark your brand.

You don’t need to finish every idea to know it has value. Let things evolve.

Patience and refinement will show up in your work as you mature creatively and personally.

Learn business early. It’s what protects your art.

Your originality is your asset. Guard it, nurture it, lead with it.

 

5. What role does failure or messing up play in your work?

“Failure is subjective. Failure motivates me. I don’t avoid it. I study it. If something doesn’t land, whether a product, a piece, or an idea, I ask why.

I analyse the breakdown and use it to refine the system or the strategy.

I don’t see it as a roadblock. It is just the next iteration of the idea. Evolution disguised as friction.”

 

6. What’s something technical you’re currently trying to master?

“I’m focused on refining how I translate flat laser-cut designs into fully dimensional forms. This includes sculpture, modular furniture, and architectural panels that assemble with precision.

I’m also developing AITELIA, an AI system trained on my own creative logic. It helps me manage complexity, structure my ideas, and protect my time, especially as I scale. It is not about replacing me. It is about extending my brain.”

 

7. How has your work changed over the years?

“My work has evolved radically, which is why I'm curating Skin to Steel, my first solo exhibition. I began with tattooing, mastering line-work on skin. That taught me permanence, composition, and restraint.

Now I work in steel, homewares, sculpture, and immersive installations. But the core principle remains: legacy through line work. Everything I make is built to last — visually, emotionally, and physically.”

 

8. What’s next — any new projects, drops, shows coming up?

“Yes. Skin to Steel, my debut solo exhibition, launches in Melbourne this November.

It’s a full sensory experience — over 60 works spanning fine art, architectural metal, homewares, and AI. It’s also the official brand launch for VANTA.

I’m also developing MYROR and AITELIA, an AI-powered avatar that will guide viewers through the exhibition and finalising my first limited-edition dining ware and sculpture releases for 2026.”

Thanks! Jason, Ink Nurse.

At Ink Nurse, we champion artists who live and breathe their craft — not just as a career, but as a calling. Brea’s dedication to authenticity, her fearless use of materials, and her drive to bridge worlds through art make her the perfect collaborator for this series.

We invite you to explore Brea’s work and support her creative journey.
Follow House of Vanta on Instagram and keep an eye out for her upcoming projects.

Support Our Artists
If you enjoyed this interview, share it with your friends, repost on socials, and help us spread the word. Supporting independent artists means helping creativity thrive.