I was born in Abba Country, more commonly known as Sweden, in the late 70’s. My Swedish parents, Anna & Urban, had a strong desire to discover the world and took off with the family in 1980, to Houston, Texas, where my dad took his first proper overseas job. I was three years old. After a year in the US, they were hooked.
So I grew up travelling the world, lived and visited many countries and cities. At the age of 12, I had been to all the European capitals, learnt to speak Norwegian and French. In total I went to 14 different schools. I spent my teenage formative years in Pointe Noire, in the Republic of the Congo. I loved the freedom, the colourful and loud culture, the tropical heat and the surf beaches.
I have many stories, and I often say it feels like I’ve lived a few lives.
After obtaining a French Baccalaureate in Arts & Literature, I went on studying art in France and then got my degree in Graphic Design in Stockholm, Sweden.
I knew it was time for a complete change, after many years living and working as a Graphic Designer between Stockholm and Nice, South of France. So, in early 2008, I packed up and made my way to Australia. Growing up moving every year to three years, I never felt at home anywhere, but as soon as I set foot in Melbourne, I instantly felt an inner peace and wholeness. Although constantly on the go, my parents always kept strong connections with Sweden and its folklore traditions. Australia is often called “Sweden's most remote neighbour” and it really felt like being home.”
I have gained an extensive knowledge of art, art materials, techniques and theory from growing up with an artist mother, always being surrounded by art, dragged to exhibitions, then extending my learning of techniques by intensive practice at art schools in Paris and Aix-en-Provence in France, and through my own art exercise.
As far as I can remember, my mum always made sure us kids had a creative space where we made all kinds of art and craft projects, from gluing shells on wooden boxes, to painting sticks and rocks to auto portraits. She only bought professional art supplies so we could play with art for real. I learnt about mixing colours and techniques in both aquarelle and oil painting at an early age. Mum had her own studio in every house we lived in and often stayed up until the early mornings painting.
I fought the idea that I am an artist just like my mum; seeing her working hard to get seen, the stress of getting everything ready and perfect for exhibitions, the constant self doubts… That’s probably why I decided to become a Graphic Designer, which felt like a happy compromise.
Loaded with this childhood memory, some family tragedies, and the status of single mum of a toddler with zero respite, I left my creative career behind, pursuing one in health. I did become a successful Sterilising Technician, Supervisor and Educator in a hospital. I thought I needed the black on white job with a regular pay check. Having suffered from depression for years, I didn’t realise I was descending even deeper into it, grinding away at this, to me, soulless career path. This is when The Universe guided me back to my passion for art. My back pain was severe and I spent many days in bed, forced to pass time with my own thoughts. It re-centred me. So, when my doctor told me my job in the hospital was unsustainable, I resigned and started painting.
Art is now, again, my happy place. I have been able to let go of some demons of the past, with less room for negative thoughts. Of course, my inner critic can still be a jerk, but I’m stronger than ever, so I challenge it and myself to keep going. I submerge myself in colour, listen to some good music and let the inner light guide me. I feel whole again.
These days, I am settled in the beautiful Sellicks Beach in South Australia, where I live with my daughter, Annabelle. I go for morning swims with a few local mermaids to remind myself that I am strong and so alive, and I create beautiful art & things from my home studio, the World of Emma.
Welcome to my World ❤️