NORDIC DOOM DISCO
I am a Swedish-based artist, designer, husband, father and dog belly rubber.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST JOY?
When my home is tidy and my todo list is empty. That gives me a clear head that I really enjoy. Although I struggle to concentrate in chaotic environments, having a one-and-a-half-year-old running around has helped me improve my ability to focus in such situations.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF?
I'm still on the journey of self-discovery, but I've gained confidence in my ability to complete my own projects. In the past, I used to question my work and strive for perfection, but it only made me feel bored. Instead, I've found that working at a faster pace and embracing imperfection has made my practice more fun and, in a way, more human.
DO YOU HAVE A REAL-LIFE SITUATION THAT INSPIRED YOUR WORK?
As a dog owner, I am familiar with every trash can in my neighborhood, and I began to appreciate the unique additions that people made to them at night - whether it be graffiti tags, stickers, or anything else. I started documenting these surfaces of spray paint, rust, and dirt, and while I wasn't sure what to do with the photos at first, I was captivated by the random combinations of colors and shapes that so many people unconsciously created. I began experimenting with these images to create a unique blend of psychedelic textures, which has now become the foundation of all my work. I use these textures to color, distort, and animate my characters and scenes, giving each piece a personal significance to me, even though the backstory may not be apparent in the final product.
WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?
When I allow unimportant stress to take over me. So many things that I worry about turn out to be trivial in the long run, and I'm always trying to not give too many shits about these things. I’m constantly taking notes and learning from my wife who is completely zen about most things.
WHAT IS/ARE THE STRANGEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
One morning when my wife and I were waiting for the bus in Sydney, Australia, an elderly woman approached us and asked for money for a bus ticket. We gave her more than enough, but instead of taking the bus, she ran into the street, kicked off her diaper, and entered a liquor store to emerge with a bottle of wine before disappearing into the distance. It was a strange, sad, and beautiful moment all at once. I have a fondness for unexpected mischief.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE INTERPRETATION OF ART? DO YOU WANT YOUR ART TO BE INTERPRETED?
Each to their own, really. There shouldn't be any set rules or guidelines for either the creator or the audience in any art form.
Sure, I’d love to hear what that would be because I’m definitely sure that is not what I had in mind.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SUSAN SONTAG'S PHRASE: "IN PLACE OF A HERMENEUTICS WE NEED AN EROTICS OF ART"?
I actually never heard this quote before but she is not wrong. I once had a guy on Instagram commenting that he “really fuck with my art”, I guess that’s what he tried to say or at least that’s my interpretation lol.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PERFECT environment FOR MAKING ART?
My home, when it's clean and the dog and baby are sleeping.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE A HISTORICAL PERIOD AND BE THERE WITH HEPL OF A TIME MACHINE — WHAT KIND OF TIME AND PLACE IT WOULD BE?
I would love to spend a year in the late 70s or early 80s, traveling and attending music shows. There's so many bands from that era that I adore and it would be incredible to witness their development firsthand.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT?
I don't have a specific dream project. Usually, the projects that have been the most fun for me are the ones with low expectations and that allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and were completed quickly.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE THAT INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?
Although I've lived in cities with a wealth of art, music, and creativity, I always find myself feeling more inspired when I'm in the forest. That's often where ideas come to me. Perhaps it’s just the perfect place for the brain to switch gears and take a break to process and reflect.
WHAT JOBS HAVE YOU DONE OTHER THAN BEING AN ARTIST?
Right now, I run a design studio with my wife who is also my creative partner. We've been working together as a team in the creative industry for the past 17 years. When I was younger, I had this idea of trying out as many different jobs as I could. I managed to work at a funeral home, telephone salesman, mover, and even briefly manufactured robot arms. Looking back, I'm glad I got that out of my system! Haha.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS/MOVIES/PERSONS/GAMES/POEMS ETC? ANY RECOMMENDATIONS! :)
The book "Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers" by Dennis DeSantis is a fantastic read that focuses more on creativity than music. David Lynch has had a huge impact on me, both through his work and as a person. For lazy Sundays or long flights, I watch "Office Space”.
HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THE THING YOU WANT TO CREATE? HOW DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOKS LIKE?
I don't overthink it. It's a more organic process for me, like fiddling with the knobs on a synthesizer without a specific goal in mind. These creative sessions are my form of therapy, a way to relax.
I aim to get into a state of flow when I create, as I find that my subconscious is often more inspiring than my conscious thoughts. To help me get there, I listen to albums like “Mas Amable” by DJ Python. Sometimes, I have a general idea of what I want to work on, but other times, I just let it flow without any specific direction. I'll keep going until I come across something that evokes an emotion or reaction, whether it's awe, disgust, or laughter. At that point, I know it's time to stop. I try not to linger too long on one piece because I don't want to overthink it and I easily get bored.
Have fun. If you're enjoying the creative process, you're on the right track. The excitement and passion you have will shine through in your art.
WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE INSPIRES YOU?
Anyone who is passionate about something. It doesn't matter if I have no interest in it, their energy is contagious.
DO YOU COME UP WITH SOME STORIES WHEN MAKING YOU PIECES? COULD YOU TELL ONE IF SO?
I’m currently working on a series of gross portraits. It’s inspired by the closing time of clubs and pubs, when the music suddenly stops and the lights are turned on, revealing the state of the crowd. That moment has always been hilarious to me.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TRAVEL AND WHY?
Someday I’d love to road-trip through Peru to snoop out obscure Cumbia records and eat ceviche.
WHAT IS YOUR STRENGTH?
When I love something I fully commit to it.