Bio
Therese Livonne (b. 1980) is a multidisciplinary artist born and based in Sweden, whose practice involves walking, foraging, and creating pigments from natural materials, with a focus on painting, printmaking and sculpture. She has a background in tailoring, patternmaking, and fashion and is currently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Painting at the Open College of the Arts (part time). Her work has been exhibited in Sweden and internationally, and she has received multiple scholarships, including a recent residency in Sweden.
I explore suburban spaces, landscapes, and the natural world through the act of walking, pigment making, and art making. My encounters and experiences are transformed into paintings and handmade prints. Additionally, my creative practice also includes photography and sculpture.
Walking is an important part of my art practice; it began as a way to maintain mental health but has since evolved into an integral part of my creative process. During daily walks, I collect natural materials, which I then turn into pigments, paint, and ink using both traditional and contemporary extraction methods. There is something deeply satisfying about walking in nature, paying attention to seasonal changes, and gathering raw materials at the right time. Processing them with care and transforming them into something new feels incredibly rewarding. It is magical!I use soaking and pouring techniques to work with the flowing nature of inks and diluted paint. But, to further connect with the materials and the tactile experience, I most often paint with my bare hands, using them as brushes to make my marks and strokes. This direct contact allows me to come closer to the surface, feel the texture of my material, and respond more intuitively to the emerging composition. It is a way of immersing myself in the process, letting the movement of my hands guide the work and connect even deeper with the natural materials. This approach creates a unique intimacy and strong connection between myself, the materials and the final artwork.
Much of my work incorporates methods and materials that are highly tactile and time laborious, which forces me to slow down and accept a slower pace in my creative process. This approach to art making is something I fully embrace as a much needed antidote against the fast pace of our modern life. I invite you to join me in embracing a slower pace, and discover the unique beauty of natural materials and the marvels of the natural world that is reflected in my work.