WHO ARE YOU?
If we begin with my professional life, I am an artist, consultant, business owner and
psychologist. I am also a Finland-Swede and that is important to my identity. As a
person I am driven and persistent. It is important for me to move forward in my
development; that I spend time doing things that make a difference. There are always
new things coming along that I want to do or learn about. I don’t have to do this in
giant steps, but preferably in small steps instead of just standing still. I see
possibilities instead of obstacles. And I care very much about the people I am close
to – being with them and longing after them when they are someplace else.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I don’t always know; probably everything. I don’t feel that I have to be conscious of it.
It can be something that comes along when I least expect it and something totally
spontaneous: a dog, a dream, colors I see when I close my eyes, a barren landscape,
people, the sea, a day in New York, art, music, emptiness, something that someone says or something I read… Life. I also get inspired by what I paint. A painting can open a door to something new.
WHO ARE YOUR ARTISTIC ROLE MODELS?
I have never been big on idols. More often I’m attracted to something someone has
created. It may mean something and influence me for the moment, during a shorter
period, or for a long time. Åke Arph and Maj Arnell have influenced me for many
years, as has Susan Rothenberg. Some paintings by Eugene Newmann and Fritz
Scholder have touched me deeply and stimulated my work. I’m fascinated by how Genieve Figgis paints.
WHY DO YOU PAINT?
I paint because I want to and I have to. I initially chose another line of education so it
was a somewhat long way around. The long way can also be good.
WHAT ATRACTS YOU TO PAINTING IN OILS?
I like painting in oils because it is so difficult, and yet you can still get results; because
it is the language I want to express myself in.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST?
Not painting. Definitely. That’s why I make sure I do it every day, more or less. It is not
the quantity that is the determining factor but the presence in my own creative flow
that satisfies me and leads me forward. When creating, you are constantly confronted
with different problems. It can be a little dramatic when I restrain myself because then
when I approach creativity again it can be so powerful. A solution cannot be forced
but it comes easier for me if I am available and open. I often get my ideas when
hammering together a wedge-frame or cleaning brushes.
DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHEN YOU PAINT?
Yes. I have relatively broad musical tastes but when I paint there are many genres
that don’t work. My favorite music in the studio is Bob Dylan, jazz or something compleately unexpected.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT PAINTING?
I work quite a lot with my company. Of course, painting is the core of my artistic
operation, but it also has to be framed, administered, exhibited and sold. I also work
as a consultant and enjoy that. Outside of work I renovate our house and socialize with
friends. I have many interests. Art, music and travel are a few of these. Right now I’m captivated by the sea since I live with it every day.
DO YOU WORK A LOT?
It has been a long time since I have thought in terms of work hours. I do the things
that are important. Since there are many things that are important there can be long
workdays. At the same time, I can be flexible since I am my own boss.
WHERE DO YOU PREFER TO TRAVEL?
I love traveling to New York and the western United States. I am interested in many
countries and places and have travelled quite a bit, but my travel plans have not
always turned out like I expected. New York entices me and I travel there several
times a year. I also have a deep love for New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana, where I
have had major experiences on both an artistic and personal level. I always yearn to
go back there.
