We now delve into the world of renowned visual artist and illustrator, Stina Persson. Stina is the next artist in the impressive line-up collaborating with Face This, transforming the drawings of the school children of Gili Asahan into captivating artworks. “I am always up for good pro bono work. And, I love the line work of children. Self-assure and insecure in an intriguing mix”, tells Stina from her Swedish atelier. She makes her own art, but her impressive portfolio also shows she has lent her artistic touch to renowned brands such as Veuve Clicquot, Louis Vuitton, and Vogue.
Get inspired by the April Face This x Stina Persson drop!
Stina’s creative ethos is rooted in an appreciation for digitally unaltered art, cherishing the visible traces of the artist's process – the texture of paper and the authentic marks of creation. In her work, Stina actively seeks beauty in imperfection. “I like the artist life as it gives me freedom and the chance to also meet people that live lives that are different, not necessarily artistic.”
First: can you tell a bit more about your background and why you became a visual artist and illustrator? “I grew up in a small university town in Sweden. My parents were professors at the university. It was the seventies. My childhood was free and liberal and the political awareness was high and present. Within this environment I have always been painting, drawing and creating stuff. I thought that was common for all children as it was all me and my friends ever did. Then after travelling the world I went to art school in Italy and later in New York.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others. Allow yourself to play and to fail. And always surround yourself with kind people”
Is there one drawing that you can recall from your childhood? “Well, I always drew girls. Usually with fancy hats. I remember one drawing with several hat clad girls. One girls feet didn’t reach the ground. I solved it by painting a box for her to stand on. I felt so clever.”
Drawing like a child. Picasso said: ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when you grow up.’ Did you also experience this and do you have tips for non-artists to cultivate their inner child? “I couldn’t agree more with Picasso, and I have seen it with my own kids too. How they create magic and pure and happy work and then one day around six years of age they became self-conscious and their drawings less sincere. But forcing that inner child doesn’t work either. I think we can achieve some of that freedom if we are really skilled and good at what we do. With that knowledge and professionalism comes the ease of a child.. We are a bit like puppies. Super cute when small but then again there are also good things about being a grown up dog/human too.”
In what way was working with child drawings and designing for Face This different than other assignments? “Last time I incorporated childrens’ art directly in my art, this time I took the child’s vision and made it more mine. What I felt, using my grown up artist eyes to figure out what he was trying to say with his drawing. In this case the art was presented to me. Boats and islands. Home for someone who lives a very different life than mine.”
What is the biggest challenge for you, being an artist? “The benefits are similar to the challenges. It is hard to always be measured, always performing, always hoping for likes. I wish it was more pure, but I’m am very much an entrepreneur. I am in charge of the internet, printer, scanners, websites, promotional material, shipping and handling and on it goes… it is really so much more than just creating art.”
As an artist, do you have any dreams and goals to achieve? “I know I have so much left within. I can almost feel the paintings that are inside me. I think they are large and colorful. And I can’t wait to get them out of my system and into the world. But then I need time and courage and enough money to be able to say no to commercial works for a while.”
To conclude, is there something you would like to say to the kids who made the drawings you’ve worked with and in general? “Keep creating art. Don’t judge and don’t compare your art to others. Be you. Keep at it.. Allow yourself to play and to fail. And always surround yourself with kind people.”
Check out Stina Persson's tees, totes and sweaters now and contribute to Zulhan's school
