Interview with Gunilla Klemendz

Hi, I am Gunilla Klemendz, the artist. You can follow me on instagram ArtAllinug or artklemendz.se.(www.artklemendz.se)

I move at the border between reality and fantasy in my art, using strong colors typical of the Swedish region of Skane. Ever since I was a child, I've had an interest in drawing and painting. This interest has grown into a deep passion for sculpturing and I've been working with stoneware for the last 20 years. The creative process fills me with true happiness, something I hope is reflected in my art.

I find inspiration by studying people in different situations, often during long walks by the Baltic Sea. Meeting people who have made an impression on me often intertwines with my art in one way or the other.  Nature is also very important in my art.   I never calculate in advance. I just let the feelings and colors lead me in the creative moment. It is like a meditative state of mind. 

You can find examples of my art in international art books, art magazines, online galleries and private collections in Sweden and abroad.

You’ve mentioned that your interest in drawing and painting began in childhood. Can you share some early memories or influences that sparked this passion for art?

When I was eight years old I got a Christmas gift from my father. Inside the gift was a big drawing pad and color pens. I instantly loved drawing and creating  and has done so ever since.

My grandmother, who was very close to me growing up, was  a very creative person and she always had some kind of embroidery in her hands. When I was about five years old she gave some of her embroidery and said: “Try to do one, just use your own imagination”

What inspired you to transition from drawing and painting to working with stoneware and ceramics? Was there a particular moment or piece that marked this shift for you?

A friend of mine asked me once if I wanted to participate in a ceramic course. I fell in love with the material, and the rest is history.

Your work blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Could you describe your creative process? How do you begin a new piece, and how does it evolve?

I love to take long walks in nature. During these walks I sometimes get a special feeling and start to imagine hidden gems in nature. I either collect pieces of the nature that inspires me or I photograph them. Then I go back to my studio and start working. When I’ve started creating, it is like a meditative state of mind. I just let the feelings and colors guide me in the creative moment. 

Nature, especially leaves, plays a significant role in your art. Can you elaborate on the significance of these natural elements in your work and how you integrate them into your ceramics?

I am fascinated of all kind of trees and especially leafs. Their shapes are so different and, at the same time, they look so alike. I always pick leafs with me from different environments whenever I get the opportunity. I leave the flowers, I pick the leafs .

Your art has gained international recognition, being featured in art books, magazines, and private collections around the world. How does this widespread exposure influence your approach to creating new pieces, and what does it mean to you personally to see your work appreciated on such a global scale?

I am very grateful and a bit surprised to have gotten this worldwide recognition. Recognition are not I think I would still have done my colorful leaf art. What I want to show with my art is the wonder of leafs and how they can inspire.

You find inspiration during your walks by the Baltic Sea. Can you share how these experiences translate into your art? Are there specific aspects of these walks that tend to influence your work more?

Walking alongside the sea gets me closer to imagination. Inspiration can be drawn from almost anything, footsteps the sand, colors of plants, paths leading to the unknown.

You mentioned that your art often reflects feelings or occasions hidden underneath the surface. How do you approach translating these intangible emotions into physical art forms?

I try to bring my figures to life by combining the leafs with different characters that are in, for example, happy or sad states of mind.

With your extensive experience, what advice would you give to aspiring artists, especially those interested in ceramics and mixed media?

It takes a lot of practice to get to know the ceramic material. It’s an amazing material to work with so you’re in for an exciting journey if you choose to work with this material. Listen to and learn from other artists. Find your own style of expression.

Looking ahead, are there any new techniques, materials, or themes you are eager to explore in your future projects?

There are many materials that interests me such as epoxy, glass and plexiglass. I think it’s interesting to mix these materials with ceramics. I have already started experimenting on a small scale.