SANNA HÖGBERG TALKS MOTHER EARTH TRAY

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

What inspired this motif?

A woman’s face. She feels like she’s from another era with her hair tightly up and a slightly sad gaze. It reminds me of the freedom I, as a woman, have today, freedom that didn’t always exist. I’ve always enjoyed portraying women’s faces and bodies. For me, it’s been a process of exploring my own identity and discovering what I'm passionate about and stand for.

What is it about abstract art that appeals to you?

I love experimenting with new materials, tools, and styles. What appeals to me about abstract art is that you can fully immerse yourself in the feeling and release all expectations that it has to represent something specific, and at the same time it exciting to express yourself using only colors and forms.

How long have you painted?

I got my first easel as a teenager but I started painting more frequently in my twenties and that was thirteen years ago.

Making your work available to the public is a big step. Did you hesitate before taking that step, since the art had previously been just for yourself?

Art has been a way for me to get to know myself and a way to express myself. That’s why it did feel very private, and I wanted to keep it for myself for a long time. It was not until last year that I started pricing my work and opening it up for sale.

Have you been surprised by how others perceive your art or the reactions you get?

It is really amazing when others can feel the emotions from my paintings and are moved by them and I can absolutely feel overwhelmed but very happy when someone chooses to have my paintings in their living room.

Do you also paint on commission now or is it just your original works that people can purchase?

I enjoy painting on commission. It’s fun to create something together with a client, combining their vision with my expression to make something completely new. In addition to original paintings, I also sell prints and products featuring my artwork.

What does your process look like?

That process can vary. Sometimes I paint purely from feeling, finding inspiration in colors and tools. In those cases it’s more like a playful exploration of how I move forward. I often put on some great music so I can dance and sing while I paint. Other times, I start with an image that has caught my interest, usually one that evokes a feeling or moves me. That makes the beginning of the process more structured, but the further I progress in the painting, the more playful it becomes. I love being inspired by other artists and often browse Instagram and Pinterest to learn something new.

Where do you do your best creative work?

My studio, absolutely. Where all my materials are close at hand, so I can easily follow impulses. Since I have a two-year-old at home, I find that I can truly create when I leave the house.

How do you cope when creativity stalls or you need some time off?

If I only painted when I felt creative, very little would get done! (laughs) Creativity usually comes once I start. When I need a break, I might dance a little, meditate, read a book for a while, or take a walk.

How often are you in your studio painting, do you paint every day?

I paint five days a week for a few hours each day when I’m in my studio.

What do you feel when you are painting?

The absolute state of flow, where time and space disappear, often comes once I get going. I can feel calm, happy, and a sense of certainty that I’ve found my calling in life. That said, it’s not always like that. Sometimes performance pressure takes over, and I feel strongly that what I’m painting looks bad. Occasionally, I face quite uncomfortable emotions while painting. But I see something beautiful and instructive in daring to stay with those uncomfortable feelings and just keep painting. In that way I’ve discovered new parts of myself and explored new processes in both myself and my painting.

Do you find it easy to finish a painting, or does it take time before you feel that?

I’m usually good at finishing and moving on to the next painting. However, I sometimes continue working on pieces I thought were complete. When painting on commission, I become more selective. I may keep a painting at home in my living room during the process so that I can feel it and be completely satisfied.

Just as an observer, it fascinates me that a painting goes through so many stages. I imagine it would cause anxiety to keep painting over something uncertain, yet there’s risk-taking involved that carries potential. Have you ever felt fear of undoing something that's already great?

I felt that a lot in the beginning. I remember many times regretting continuing a painting when I wished I had stopped. Today, I see the excitement in daring to continue despite the fear of ruining something. By continuing, I’ve grown as an artist and discovered new paths I would have missed otherwise. A helpful tip is to photograph the painting during the process. That way, you can always return to something you really liked.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that reflects your art, and what you want to convey with it?

“Creativity is magic.” For me, that really feels true. When I invited art into my life, I found an outlet for an incredible creativity that, in many ways, feels magical.

Where can one find more of your art?
Follow me on Instagram or visit my website.