Meet Elin Palmgren, a talented artist and entrepreneur whose passion for painting led her to create a unique blend of Japandi-inspired artworks. With a background in teaching and a love for interior design, Elin discovered her calling as an artist a few years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Through her gallery, Galleri P, she not only showcases her own creations but also curates a space that embodies the essence of calmness and harmony, reflecting her deep connection to the Japandi aesthetic. In this interview, Elin shares insights into her artistic journey, the challenges of managing an art gallery, staying inspired amidst doubt, and the transformative power of art in finding peace and joy.
Can you share a bit about your personal journey as an artist and how you discovered your passion for painting?
I’ve always loved being creative and I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. However, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized that this could be more than just a hobby. I started sharing my artwork through social media and noticed that more people started following along in my journey. Today, I have thousands of followers and I combine my two biggest interests in my business – interior design and painting. When I paint, I get tunnel vision and everything else fades. I go into a bubble where I can just let go of all my frustration and anxiety, which has saved me through my hardest times in life. I really feel like this is my calling.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in pursuing your artistry and managing your art gallery?
I think my biggest challenge has been balancing my artistry with the rest of my life and still keeping it fun. Aside from my business I work as a teacher. I think the most important thing when taking your artistry from a hobby to a profession is not losing the freedom in your creativity. Making art to me is feeling free and letting creativity lead you rather than letting sales and other people’s opinions take over.
How do you navigate the balance between running Galleri P and focusing on your own artistic creations?
I try to think of the gallery as an extension of my own artistry. When we don’t have any other artists exhibiting at Galleri P, we’re using it as our own studio. I absolutely love having a place of my own where I can just let everything else go and slip into my creative bubble for a while.
Could you describe a particularly memorable moment or milestone in your career so far?
I think my biggest milestone so far in my career is being featured in Vogue, that’s something I could’ve never predicted a few years ago! Also, having my very first sale, that’s a moment I will always remember!
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out or facing similar challenges?
Never give up and do what makes YOU happy! People will always have opinions, especially in such a subjective field as art, but as long as you do what brings you joy, that’s all that matters. The right people will come to you if you stick to it.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in your creative process, especially during times of doubt or frustration?
I think frustration is part of the process. I believe every artist has their ups and downs, and at least for me, every painting has its ”ugly stage” before it falls into place. I try to always follow my intuition and paint what feels good in the moment, and just trust the process.
What role do you think art plays in creating a sense of calmness and harmony, both for the artist and the audience?
Creating a sense of calmness and harmony is actually the main goal with my art, so I think it plays a really important role. When I paint, my mind calms down, and I want my artwork to give the spectator that same feeling.
As someone with a keen interest in Japandi interior, how do you integrate this aesthetic into your artwork and gallery space?
Japandi is the style where the clean lines and simplicity of Scandinavian design meet the calmness and natural aesthetic of Japanese design. My artwork is infused with these elements, through calm and smooth transitions and muted colours. In my art, I play with the element of light, which gives each piece a dynamic that makes it a great conversation starter and statement piece without losing touch with the stillness and harmony of the japandi spirit.
