q)What is your name and what do you do?
a)My name is Elin Melberg, and I am an artist.
q)When did you really get into art?
a)I started studying art full time in 1995, and finished my MA Degree at the Royal College of Art, London, in 2002. I started getting into art earlier of course, and could wait to finish school and get into it full time. It is a cliche, but it is true, I always wanted to be an artist..
q)How did you come to the realization that you should try
your luck at art on a more serious level?
a)There really was not a better alternative for me I think. I was determined art was it for me, and I never really questionned it. I just went for it.
q)How did you discover the particular style that you
have?
a)It took me years of course, trying out new things and experimenting, and I am still changing. I think studying in London was the best choice I made, as I love the British culture and the contemporary art scene there, as well as the colour PINK. I think British culture made me find myself when it comes to style, and gave me confidence. England is very me..and a combination of this together with elements of my collectibels and memrobilia form my style.
q)How would you describe your style?
a)It’s a new kind of popish style, combined with elements linked to graffiti and traditional handcraft as sowing beads. It is quite romantic and girly but with an attitude. Often a bit contradictary.
q)Who or what influences your art?
a)Many things really. Artists I can mention are Barbra Kruger, Tracey Emin, Chris Ofili, Frida Khalo, Pierre et Gilles, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol and his Factory, Bob and Roberta Smith, Nan Goldin, Basquiat, various grafitti-artists and many more.... Apart from that the British culture inspires me, as well as life, music, emotions and twisted thoughts in general. Mean people can also inspire me, as they can piss me off, and this gives me a lot of energy towards my work.
q)How often do you create a new piece?
a)It depends. I normally work on several projects at the same time. A painting could be done in a week, or sometimes 6 months, depending on the technique and amount of beads for instance.
q)What kind of success have you had with your art?*
a)I have been lucky to have shows internationally, and I suppose the biggest experience so far was to be included in a major exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro. I am also very pleased to be represented by Transit Art Space. In addition I have got a few awards and grants along the way, that have made my everyday less hard as it gives you the opportunity to focus and concentrate more on your work. Currently I am very much looking forward to my soloshow at Galleri Gathe in Bergen, Norway in February 2009.
q)What would be the ultimate goal for you and your art?*
a)Absolutely to have important shows in spaces all over the world on a regular basis, as well as interest and respect from artists, collectors and important collections internationally. I want to keep growing as an artist, and never (I hope!) feel empty and out of new ideas. Never be boring.
q)What do you see as an accomplishment in the way of art?*
a)Same as above really, as well as getting a message out. Creating something of some kind of interest that certain people can relate to. Challenge the audience and yourself on some kind of level, either through subject-matter, visuals, use of colour or technique.
q)What kind of message, if any, do you try to convey
through your art?
a)The documentation of emotions and conditions form the basis of my work. Each piece is inspired from a situation or an emotion, and the documentation of this amalgamated with ideas around reality or fantasy form each piece.
I often want my work to be contradictory. Humour is also an important element, as well as vulnerability. All my expressions are feminine. I see the world from a feminine point of view, and I am concerned with the female role in the society. This role is in constant change, as is my artistic project. Life changes, and so do I. By using for example beads in my work, I refer to the old tradition of womens handcraft, but in a contemporary manner. I also use a lot of text in my paintings, which can be linked to pop – or streetart.
I want some of my work to be intense. This either through the use of colour, beads or mirror mosaic that can make it difficult for the viewer to focus, which is something I find interesting to explore. I want to interpret ways of staying in control, or losing control, stay focused or loose focus. This again linked to the human brain, the strength of ones thoughts and the vulnerability of our psychological aspects.
q)Sum up your art in one word.
a)PINK
q)Any additional comments?
a)Stay inspired
q)...your contacts...
A)www.elinmelberg.com
www.transitartspace.com
elinmelberg@yahoo.com
