Astrid Wilson
In this interview, we'll delve into Astrid Wilson’s artistic journey, exploring her favorite techniques, the inspirations behind her beloved flower market series, and the exciting dream projects on her horizon. So, grab your favorite color pencil and settle in, as we discover the world through the eyes of Astrid!
Portrait by Jonathan Kjell
Could you please tell us about yourself?
I am a Swedish illustrator and print designer that lives in Stockholm. I moved to Stockholm two years ago and before that I lived in the south of Sweden in a small town named Borås. Borås is a textile town, so my interest for textile, colors and art has always been in my mind… I love to create things and have constantly a number of ongoing projects!
What’s your favorite drawing technique?
At the moment I am very into color pencils or crayons, but it varies from time to time. I painted my first mural a few weeks ago and it was so much fun! I also really want to sew and make new embroideries, I guess that is my plan this coming months.
What’s your favorite flower?
To draw I would say pansies, you can do them in so many fun color combinations and shapes. But in real life I would say anemones.
What’s your favorite season and why?
I think autumn, even though I really enjoy summer and spring a lot, there is something about autumn and the relaxed and cozy feeling when you spend more time indoors at home after a long summer being outside.
Could you tell us about your flower markets series?
The idea of flower market came up during the pandemic in 2020 as a longing to meet and gather people again and that flowers is the universual kind of symbol for love and joy.
Did you travel to all these places?
No I haven’t and that was the thought, to portray places I visited but also places where I just have fantasy images from.
What’s your favorite place and why?
I would say my home or my studio. I really feel most comfortable. I love to travel and discover new places, but home is always home.
How do you choose your color palettes?
Color palettes and color combinations normally is one of the first things, if not the first thing I choose before starting to work with a print, painting or illustration. The colors can change during the process of course, but I usually have a plan with the colors from the beginning. I tend to find a lot of color inspiration in fashion.
What inspires you the most?
Nature, colors, history, people and fashion.
Do you have any dream projects? If so, could you tell us about it?
Oh, I have many dream projects. Right now I would love to do a book cover, last summer I did my first cover for a magazine and it is so surreal to see your work like that. Other than that I would love to work with public areas, for example murals or wall hangings.
What’s your current obsession?
It feels like I have new obsessions every day, but Bode is a brand I have admired since some years and they just keep on doing amazing products and spaces. I just want to live in their universe.
More about Astrid’s art on astridwilson.com
@astridwilson
