When did you start your creative practice and why?
I think of 1995 as my starting year as I started exhibiting then. I have always done art in some form alongside another career up until 2001 when I could become an artist full time. It’s a vocation which chose me!
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
I’m known as a narrative mixed media artist as I tend to tell a story in my work; it is the
storytelling that drives me. Mixed media brings in layers in this process, where I use mono-printing and machine stitching as well.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
In many ways I have been telling my own story over the years, often disguised by an
overlaying theme, as in “Becoming Real” where birds played a significant role as
messengers. In fact birds have recurred in my work quite frequently as they are interesting subject matter, see “Habitat” which focusses on threatened species (also including butterflies, plants and small mammals). Recently I developed a series of twelve inspired by songs, from Springsteen to Cohen, another way of expressing emotions and memories.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
I mono-print capturing atmospheres, feelings and places, mostly on handmade papers or recycled material. These prints create the base layers, then machine stitch and details are added, and very often words as well. The process is not always the same!
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
There are quite a few, hard to lift one out, but I’ll mention Crow Moon from the Moon
almanac series, which is about my childhood, the hamlet where my Farmor lived, and my leaving that.
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Sometimes it’s hard to feel fresh, break ground and feel that the work is developing. This spring I have been doing a course online to help me see things differently, make other choices and decisions in my practice. This is challenging as I am fighting myself in employing new techniques!
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
I sometimes struggle with motivation, but have learnt over the years that it isn’t about sitting waiting for inspiration, it is a matter of doing something to break the spell. Mono-printing is particularly free and immediate, and helps to discern new threads to follow. Going out walking is really good for the head and serves up beautiful images as you go along.
How does your immediate environment or location play in your work?
These days I work in my home studio, which suits me. Living where I am is lovely as the
High Peak really feeds the creative spirit.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
Anna Thomas; Robert Rauschenberg; Hanna Ryggen; August Macke; David Hockney; Van Gogh; Gabriele Münter. There could be a long list!
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
I would like to say that I’m less worried about being overly realistic, and more concerned with conveying emotion, sense of place, and an underlying message. I’m getting freer with colours, texture and perspective, at least trying to be!
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just could not do without?
My 60-year-old Husqvarna is my loyal and trusted companion. I love the textures of
handmade papers, and the mono-printing I have never got tired of. It tends to open up new doors and invites playing. I am fond of Inktense, both pencil crayons and blocks, very versatile.
How do you balance artistic expression with practical concerns like income or marketing, social media?
It has been a constant juggling for the past 30 years or so, not at all easy, but at this stage in my life I just keep going, and try use some my experience to get the balance as manageable as I can.
If you could give the younger you advice, what would it be?
Be less concerned with all the ‘musts’ and ‘shoulds’ which can overwhelm an artist, from so many sources. Social media, fellow artists, creative advisers, business courses, customers, and so on. Find your own voice and follow your instinct.
Have you got a project / award/ residency/ or idea are you excited to share with us?
If you mean right now, I am absorbed by the current theme I am working on, called Sisu. Inspired by words from women who have come through hardship, and found strength in painful experiences, then generously shared their wisdom.
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
I have found viewers connecting with my work many times, always on an emotional level. Sometimes joy, sometimes sadness, evoking memories, or simply recognition. They see themselves in an image, and many times the words included have been the key for them to open up the story.This is precious and really makes it all worthwhile.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
www.ingridkarlsson.co.uk
Instagram: @ikkartist
Facebook: Ingrid Katarina Karlsson Artist
