EMILIA OLOFSSON TALKS BUTTERFLY AURA PAINTING
"Unfolding our wings as butterflies"
Daniel John
What does this original painting, 'Butterfly Aura', symbolize?
'Butterfly Aura' symbolizes the feeling of being truly ourselves, unfolding our wings just as butterflies do. I would also say this was the first painting where I found an art style I resonated with a hundred percent.
Visual contrasts are a recurring element in your palette. How does those contrasts show in this painting?
The visual contrast in the painting lies in the monochrome portrait set against the vibrant blue butterfly. This strengthens the painting’s symbolism by showing that when you unfold your wings, that’s when you become your true, colorful self.
Does the intent of a painting always exist from the get go?
The intent usually emerges while I’m creating my design sketches. I want my sketches to be both aesthetically pleasing and to carry a deeper symbolic meaning.
How do you proceed when part of a painting does not unfold as you had hoped that it would. Do you try to correct it, or let it have a butterfly-effect on the rest of the work?
The key for me is to create a proper design sketch before I start painting. In the past, when I haven’t prepared a sketch, I have sometimes ended up painting over the painting because of my lack of patience sometimes, heh!
Was there any particular detail in this painting that demanded particular precision to get it right?
Definitely. This was the first time I experimented with spray paint for some of the highlight–areas. Which required me to redo those sections multiple times, to get them just right.
When did art and creativity first become a part of your life?
I would say that art and creativity have always been a part of my life. Ever since kindergarten, I’ve loved to sketch. I loved the soothing feeling.
Do you take on commissions, or do you only prefer to follow your own creative-vision?
I prefer to follow my own creative vision because it’s most rewarding to work within the styles that I love. However, I do take on commissions as long as they align with my art style!
Do you have any paintings in progress, in any phase. Whether still in its cocoon or starting to spread its wings?
Yes, I have a painting in progress that is almost finished. My main focus right now is to create an art style that feels a hundred percent like “me”. My current work in progress really reflects that. I used to paint only in black and white, and then always with vibrant colors. Now I have combined the two. Combining monochrome portraits with a pop of color creates a look that is both clean and modern, yet emotional.
