Katarina Ekelund (born 1966) lives and works on the west coast of Sweden. Her studio is located in an old church. She started her artistic career at the age of 18. Since then she has been interested in colours and paints.
How did you get into art?
I grew up in a family that always has been interested in art and culture. When I grew up, we went to many art museums, concerts and theaters around Europe. My father played the violin and my mother loved opera, and I fell in love whith the powerful paintings with a lot of colors.
I remember when I was a young teenagter I was at Moderna museet in Stockholm for the first time and saw the painting, First Meeting by Francis Picabia, I feelt electric shocks in a good way and thought, this is what I want to do, paint, paint, paint. I read all the biographies of artists I could find and dreamt of living a free life as an artist.
How would you describe your style? What makes your art special?
My style has evolved a lot over the years, and still does. In the beginning I painted figuratively, but it has become more and more abstract, and now they are almost completely abstract. Many people think that abstract paintings are easier to make, but it`s not the case. It is a development to be able to make them simpler more directly, to dare and not hesitate. I want to convey the power and energy into the paintings.
How do you go about developing your work?
I am constantly developing my paintings. I have to be curious of myself and be surprised by what I do in the studio. I often paint in series, so the paintings stays together. In the next period of painting something new will happen and the paintings are developing more and more. And I am surprised by myself and I think, aha could I paint this way?
Who or what influences you?
Colors and combinations of colors are very inspiring. I can really get goosebumps from color. But also nature that I am surrounded of, melancholy and horizons of light with dreams of infinity. Also other artists, their thoughts and works. Some of my favorites are Georg Bazelits and Joan Mitchell.
What are you planning to do next?
My new painting period will now start again after the summer. It will be most exciting for myself. Then I will start a collaboration with a Sculptor and we will prepare an exhibition together. I look forward to see our work act together.
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