Therese Åhlund — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Apr 18

Apr 18 Therese Åhlund

Biography

I am a self-taught artist living and working in north of Sweden, focusing on pet commissions, wildlife- and realistic art. Being a creative mind I often feel like I was born to do what I do, to create art and being an entrepreneur. I love to capture moment, turn feelings into colors and share it through my art. I find my peace and inspiration as much in the wild as in other sources of creativity, whether it's in music, images or other people.

Artist Statement

I want my art to be simple and mind-blowing at the same time. I love the clearness in hyperrealism and the fact that less is more. I have my main focus on pet commissions because I feel a need to capture souls, to mirror them and turn them into color. I want to create art that really affects people, that really matter to someone. I want to bring joy, love and happiness and this is my way. All of my drawings hold a foundation of nature, strength, calm and freedom. Those elements make the very core of my art- the wild and the free.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

All my life I have felt the need to create, but it was just a couple of years ago that I really gave my drawing a chance and at the same time found out exactly how I wanted to create. The reason why I then started my own business was because I really wanted to find a bigger quality in life. I wanted to change the way I lived, the way society demands us to live. I wanted a free life, working with something that I love and I have that opportunity thanks to my art.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

My goal is to combine pet commissions with wildlife art originals, to create art that is available for everyone, both pet owners and collectors.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

I want the viewer to feel the energy, to feel the souls of my portraits and a sense of wanting to touch it. I want to communicate a feeling of freedom and the great power of mother nature.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

The process of creating my art is at first a stage of connecting with customers, to listen to their stories and convert them to colors. I then create the portraits with a sense of very much love and inspiration. I often spend time drawing on our family farm in the Swedish woods. There, surrounded by nature and its stillness I find my peace and inspiration.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

The beginning. To look at a clear sheet and feel nothing but inspiration, hope and excitement. There are only possibilities!

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

My main focus is on pet commissions but I have also planned for a series of wildlife originals, where I can elaborate and express my traits more freely. So I’m really excited to get started on those!

Website www.bytherese.art

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