TIE THE KNOT
Our fascination with craft continues as we catch up with the Cape Town-based Swedish macramé artist who recently collaborated with Jane Sews by creating the exquisite new shop-window drop, above right
Who are you?
I am a Swedish macramé artist and illustrator who has been living with my husband in Cape Town for almost three years. I grew up in a tiny village called Pajala on the border with Finland. My childhood surroundings had a big influence on who I am today and I am very proud of my heritage. My home town is rich in music, theatre and arts, so I was happy to discover the pulsating art scene of Cape Town when I moved here. I immediately felt at home.
Why macramé?
My intention was to use macramé as a channel to meditation and relaxation. I wanted to get lost in the technicality of the knots to take my mind off everything that was making my head overheat. But I realised it was more than a form of relaxation to me: it was a way of making art. Through these knots I was able to express myself and create something I did not think I could do. With macramé came more than I bargained for, in a positive way. I see aspects of my life differently and feel more at home in myself.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I am inspired by nature with its soft organic shapes, like the ocean’s waves, and the rawness of the sharp outlines of buildings.
What do you love most about your work?
My art is made of countless knots coming together to tell a visual story and even if I am going crazy and re-knotting the last five hours of work, I can’t fast-forward to the end. I just need to breathe and accept where I am in the process, no matter how challenging it is at the moment. Even though the creative process can be tedious, I love every step of the way. I believe that if you craft from your heart magic happens. Do you collect anything? If so, why?
I collect Moomin cups. The character Moomin was created by the Swedish-speaking Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson, and is something I grew up with and hold very close to my heart.
What are the things can’t you live without?
My husband, family and friends are a given, but there is one thing that I can’t and won’t live without, and that is coffee. Coffee is more than the drink itself; it is a moment of coming together and having a break even if it’s just for a minute.
What was the last décor object you bought?
A lovely piece of art from my friend and illustrator Tara Deacon.
Which designer or artist inspires you now and why?
People who share the same values around sustainability and have a beautiful approach to their art form and the ups and downs of a creative career inspire me. Maggie May of The Middle Aisle is funny and her way of looking at life and art is inspiring and honest.
What is most inspiring space you’ve walked into recently, or ever? I just came home from a trip to Spain and am filled with inspiration, especially from Park Guell, with its whimsical design, and I am blown away by detail of the Sagrada Familia.
Were you creative as a child?
I was very shy as a child. I just wanted some tape, a pair of scissors and some paper to build houses for my toys. At the age of 7, I found the theatre and it saved me. It opened the door to a creative world.