Interview

Feb 9

Elin Kereby

The spiritual aspect of being alive today is the subject of Swedish artist Elin Kereby’s work. Her inspiration comes from her own journey in finding and understanding herself as the creator of her life.

Before she became a contemporary abstract painter, Elin worked in the financial industry for 13 years. She has also trained as a yoga teacher, life coach, healer and channeler. She is constantly exploring what it means to be human today and creating sustainable relationships with oneself and one’s surroundings.

Her vibrant oil and mixed media paintings composed of layered lines mirror how she sees the world—made up by layers upon layers of energetic fields.

What is your background and how did you start your journey?

“I was born in Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. With lots of beautiful surroundings and free time, I started to paint at an early age. I painted in oil and loved sitting with my easel at the beach, painting a tree or a scenery. In my early teens, I was recognized for my art and received my first commissioned art job. However, when I started college, I abandoned the artistic path in favor of science, which took me through a career in finance. I worked for banks as the Chief Risk Officer establishing their independent risk management functions after the financial crisis in 2007.
After years of focusing on the logical mind, I had a longing for the visual and free creative expression that comes with art. I went back to study classical and contemporary painting techniques and art history, and have been painting since then.”

What inspires you most?

“My inspiration comes from my own journey to find and understand myself as the creator of my life.
To not be programmed by external influences but to journey inwardly to find peace, truth, love, and harmony. To break patterns and find new ways of being and living in the world. To follow my curiosity and fear in search of what brings me joy, energy, and passion.
I’m deeply inspired by our connection to nature, life and the potential that each human being holds to expand and grow one’s consciousness.”

I want my paintings to feel alive, soft and vibrant. To be humble yet strong–just like nature.

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My underlying message is to inspire others to step into the role of creator, and together raise the vibrations on earth from damaging to regenerative. To bring intention, soul, and awareness to everyday life. I believe that we are all creators of our reality and are all part of co-creating the world we live in. I pursue courage, authenticity, freedom, growth, and harmony.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work is an exploration of what it means to be human today on a subconscious level. It communicates feelings of liveness, energy, and movement.”

Which artists influence you most?

“My style is influenced by Japanese ink painting (Sumi-e), Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Helen Frankenthaler, Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and many others.”

What is your creative process like?

“I paint in mixed media and predominantly in oil from a century-old studio in Sweden. My process is intuitive, with focus on the energetic vibrations of the painting. I use scenery from nature and seek to capture the energy onto the canvas using layers of lines in different widths and transparency. My intention is to create delicate pieces that are light, yet contain depth and express movement.
My painting style is continuously developing along with my spiritual journey. I follow my curiosity and experiment to get the vibrations that feel right for each painting. I let the composition, palette, depth, and focal point emerge as I create, enabling the pictures to be an authentic expression, and inviting the viewer to be fully present.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“An artist’s role is to provoke curiosity and create space for thoughts and feelings in an otherwise very logical world. To inspire and bring out joy and beauty, as well as independent perspectives on political and social systems.
Today, there is a rise in independent artists that can lead, influence and shape society on more free terms than ever before.”