Linnea And-Ast
Linnea And-Ast artworks features wrap leaf textures that are perfectly placed on canvas or in building walls as murals.
Each piece is one of a kind. Their highly detailed precision call to mind such timeless works as Henri Matisse’s cut-out paper leafs. We asked her a few questions about herself, what she gets inspired by and what advice she would give to future gurl artists.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in a small town in south-west of Sweden called Halmstad. I am the third youngest in a non-nuclear family of eight children. I moved as nineteen-year-old to Gothenburg to study art and design, and here I am still.
Did you study art at University, if so what was your concentration?
Actually I gave up art for design at University. At first I studied art at a pre-university level, but then applied to University of Design and Craft and studied both my BA and MA in design there. During a two year long break between first and second year of my Master's I finally realized that I didn't have to choose between art or design, and nowadays I find myself somewhere in between. But to get back to the question, I studied design but focused mainly on illustration and print design.
“What brings me to the canvas is always some kind of obsticle. ”
What are you most inspired by?
What brings me to the canvas is always some kind of obstacle. A thought of a new color combination, or a new twist I want to try out. But in general, when it comes to color and shape, I often look back at Scandinavian design and illustration from the 60s and 70s, and of course the psychedelic era!
What role does color play in your paintings?
I would say that color is almost everything for me. That is what inspires me, gets me going and also what I struggle the most with. The wrong shade can turn me off really quickly. I am really really picky! People who know me and my work often call ultramarine/klein/cobolt as ‘my' color, and that really flatters me. I don't know why, but it is so mesmerizing. I can't get enough of it.
If you could meet any artist who would they be?
Yayoi Kusama! I love her work so much.
If you had any piece of advice to artists just starting their careers what would you say?
Follow your heart! Do what feels right in your gut, not what you think that others want to see. Don't be afraid to show your work to others, and get a mentor! Someone you trust who you could show your work to get feedback. Be humble but don't apologize for yourself. Work through creativity blocks, don't let it scare you. But if you do need a break, take one.
More on Linnea And-Ast
Interview by Diane Lindquist