Enter the captivating world of Celine Westlund, a visionary artist residing in the artistic haven of Stockholm, Sweden. At 26, she shares her abode with a partner and an adorable canine companion, seamlessly blending her artistic journey with the charm of city life. Recognized as a "teaterapa" or theater monkey in Sweden, Celine's early years were marked by an enchanting exploration of scraps - fabrics, yarn, and boxes - resulting in whimsical crafts that became cherished gifts for her grandparents. A poignant legacy endures in the form of a sock, filled with stuffing and feathers, hanging at her late grandfather's desk - a prescient harbinger of her burgeoning artistic career. Today, her canvas is a playground for semi-abstract art, predominantly landscapes adorned with intricate motifs, the most iconic being her soaring swans, now synonymous with her signature style.
Celine's Journey to Artistry and the Discovery of Painting
Celine's journey to artistic expression is a tapestry woven with a profound love for diverse arts and crafts. From unapologetically bold fashion choices of neon pink leggings, yellow skirts, and blue hoodies to the refined style she embodies today, experimentation has been her guiding force. A pivotal moment emerged in 2019 when she ventured into the world of crochet, creating a universe of adorable bears and toys that garnered attention on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. As the entrepreneur within her sought sustainability beyond toys, a transition into rugs and interior design ensued. Yet, the time-intensive nature of crochet led to a serendipitous shift towards painting. The experimentation that followed, from abstract art with yarn details to the exploration of minimalistic landscapes, became the crucible where Celine discovered her unique artistic voice.
Techniques Behind a Kaleidoscope of Colors
In the realm of experimentation, Celine's artistic palette extends beyond the canvas to include everyday dish sponges, palette knives, and the gentle touch of her hands. Each stroke is a dance, exploring diverse landscapes and chasing the elusive magic that unfolds in the interplay of lighting and shadows. Though she defies strict rules, the transformative power of the right light remains a constant, reshaping the very essence of her creations. A commitment to color saturates her process, where the vibrancy of hues takes precedence, and the fear of color clashes is embraced as a catalyst for bringing her paintings to life.
Spontaneity in Color Curation
The allure of Celine's work lies in the spontaneous symphony of colors. She eschews meticulous planning, opting instead for instinctive color selections that bring her favorite hues - green and pink - to the forefront. Despite a deep affinity for blue, the quest for the perfect dreamy shade continues, infusing each new creation with an element of anticipation and surprise.
Influence of Knitting and Crochet on the Painting Process
While her current artistic endeavors may not overtly reflect the influence of knitting and crochet, a recent resurgence in knitting unveils a promising future integration of yarn into her work. Inspired by visionaries who seamlessly blend yarn and paint, Celine is poised to push the boundaries of artistic mediums.
Abstract Realism
In a departure from traditional inspiration, Celine's paintings transcend specific places or times. The canvas becomes a realm where the interplay of colors and forms guides an unpredictable journey, steering clear of predetermined visions. Embracing the uncertainty of the creative process, she revels in relinquishing control, allowing each stroke to lead her to unexpected and captivating destinations. In the world of Celine Westlund, the beauty lies in the embrace of the unknown, where every creation is an invitation to explore the uncharted territories of imagination.
Abstract Realism
In a departure from traditional inspiration, Celine's paintings transcend specific places or times. The canvas becomes a realm where the interplay of colors and forms guides an unpredictable journey, steering clear of predetermined visions. Embracing the uncertainty of the creative process, she revels in relinquishing control, allowing each stroke to lead her to unexpected and captivating destinations. In the world of Celine Westlund, the beauty lies in the embrace of the unknown, where every creation is an invitation to explore the uncharted territories of imagination.
Photos by
Celine Westlund
