Chance and Intuition with Emma Larsson
Emma Larsson is a Swedish artist celebrated for her vibrant and evocative watercolour creations. Her work seamlessly blends delicate details with bold, expressive colours, drawing inspiration from nature, dreams, and the subconscious.
Each piece tells a story, conveying feelings that remain beautifully enigmatic and inviting viewers to connect with the emotions embedded within.
Beyond her art, Emma shares glimpses of her inspirations, travels, and the beauty of everyday life.
Can you share what sparked your initial interest in art and how your journey as an artist has evolved over the years?
When I was around ten, I was given a tin box of watercolours, professional oil paints, and nice pads of paper and canvases. My father, a watercolour painter during the summers on the island where I grew up, encouraged me when I was little. The passion for painting has been there ever since. There have been periods of rest and distance from it, but for the last 15 years, I’ve been making art for a living - a full-time job.
While watercolour is your primary medium, do you have other favourites that you enjoy experimenting with? How do they complement your watercolour practice?
As I see it, colour is just a tool to express oneself. I’ve had periods where I lost myself in clay and ceramics, which led to changes in my expressions. For me, it’s very important to challenge myself and vary my process. I also enjoy drawing and working on canvas.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration throughout your artistic journey? How do these influences manifest in your artwork?
I’ve always tried to stay close to my own inner source and draw from there. However, there are, of course, artists who have touched me. One is Yayoi Kusama - peculiar and powerful with her energy. Another is Toyen, a surrealist Czech artist whose amazing drawings astonished me the first time I saw them.
Outside of painting, what other passions or hobbies do you pursue? How do they enrich your artistic practice or provide balance in your life?
I’m reading a lot of books right now. I also enjoy being in the forest, taking long walks alone with my thoughts, and listening to various music always playing through the speakers.
Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new watercolour piece? Do you have specific rituals or techniques you rely on?
Initially, I usually sketch a little to warm up, for example, with charcoal on simple paper. Then, I might have some colours in my head that I want to invite onto the paper. I play with chance and use intuition as my main tool. It will be what it will be. I use my mood and spirit - it’s like emotional discharges.
Watercolour can evoke a range of emotions. How do you aim to convey feelings or stories through your work, and what do you hope viewers take away from it?
Unfortunately, I’m not great at explaining my work in words. The colours and compositions are, in a way, substitutes for words. I think it should remain a little secret, as I myself am secretive. I hope people will feel the longing or perhaps the lust for life I felt when I painted - that it will sparkle back at them.
Can you tell us about your upcoming exhibition? What themes or pieces will you be showcasing, and what are you most excited about?
It will be a slightly more personal exhibition in my hometown of Gothenburg. I’ll be with loved ones and close to the salty sea that I’ve longed for. I’ll showcase some sculptures made from natural materials collected during trips and from forests I’ve visited here at home. The theme revolves around finding my roots - a sense of belonging that I’ve missed but may have found through several inner journeys.
If you could travel anywhere in the world with your art supplies, where would you go, and what would you want to paint?
I once took a long trip away from home, spending six months in Mexico with my family. I rented my own house, where I could paint - it was like an artist’s residency, though I made all the decisions. Travel opens our minds, teaches us about new cultures, and helps us discover more about ourselves. If I had the opportunity, I’d like to travel more, especially around Central America, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
How has your presence on Instagram influenced your artistic journey and connection with other artists and your audience?
Instagram (as it used to work) opened the door for me to actually be visible. The concept of followers was new to me since I never had Facebook or similar platforms. Those were great years when you could share still images, and I got to know many other artists. There’s a very kind art community on Instagram. However, the app has become more like TikTok now, which doesn’t feel as good to me.
What advice would you give to aspiring watercolour artists looking to develop their own unique style and find their voice in the art world?
For young artists today, I’d say it’s easy to think you can create a career on Instagram, but it takes so much passion and desire to truly live as an artist. It’s not something I’d encourage unless you’re born to it - it’s a calling. You can’t learn it in art school; it’s more of a lifestyle with many ups and downs. My advice: find your language. Search inside, not outside. It can also be lonely, so get a cat! :-)
See more of Emma Larsson:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zebrakadebra/
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