Bio
I am Lena Goodison, a Swedish self taught contemporary artist that lives and works in Nottingham, UK. I create colourful, bold pieces, often human portraits, still life and cats that are superimposed, abstract and mystical.
Although I have always been creative since I was a child, I only started painting in 2018 and the main materials I like to use are acrylics and watercolour (sometimes mixed) on heavy paper, like watercolour, Khadi, or canvas boards. I also make prints of some of my paintings.
My background in photography (having worked in editorial in Stockholm and also studied film making) helps me to create narratives with a cinematic aesthetic.
My inspiration comes from colourful architecture, travels to North Africa, urban city landscapes and the people living there. And long treks in nature, just breathing in the fresh air and being surrounded by wildlife.
I also look at ` Post-impressionist` painters like Gaugain & Matisse, masters of fluidity and space. I admire the Swedish artist Hilma af Klint for her bravery and for being way before her time. Seeing her art in real life was a highlight.
Clients include;
IKEA, Caboodle Magazine, Hoxton Hotel, Soho House, artwork for EP covers (music) and private commissions both in UK and overseas.
Selected exhibitions;
Jubilee Library - Etsy Group Show , Brighton, UK, 2016
Swimming pools - Group show - Jealous Gallery, London, 2017
Surface Gallery - Group show - Studio artists, Nottingham, UK, 2019
International Postcard Exhibition -Surface Gallery - Nottingham, UK, 2019
StudioTwenty - Group Show - Nottingham, UK - 2019
That Art Gallery - covid project 'together / apart' was an OPen Call for an exhibition in their Gallery window, Bristol , UK 2020 (My artwork is now also included in their published book (Tangent Books)
Artist statement
I am an artist that uses play and experimentation as a crucial tool, I need to trust that my inner compass takes me on an interesting journey.
Colour is essential in my work. Often big, bold and contrasting. It can take some time to blend and mix colours I am happy with. My lines are sometimes bendy, wonky, disproportionate and I often leave marks along the way…not covering them up, but letting the imperfections shine through.
Sometimes the Scandinavian minimalist takes over and I create more quiet pieces. Some of my portraits are a good example, as I use bold, colourful lines and fill the face with thick, goooey, messy brush strokes, while I keep the background flat in one contrasting colour.
My painting style is physical, demanding and I get absorbed into a whirlwind. I can paint for days forgetting about time completely.
There is a word in Spanish - Duende, meaning a heighted state of emotion, expression and authenticity. I think it explains my creative process well.
I strive to be honest with my art. I wish my work will evoke beauty, harmony and also a sense of fun and wonder. That the viewer will see straight through, into my beating, passionate heart.