Camorran
Today I'm introducing a new artist and a new term. Sweden's Camilla Engman is what I call a coffee pot artist. This means, when you discover her work, put on a pot of coffee, because you are going to be lost in her creativity for a long, long time.
Camilla is a wildly talented illustrator, painter, and printmaker. I recently discovered her guest blogging at design*sponge, which was superb. But, take a trip to Camilla's blog for a look at how to live your life as a true artist. For example, always take your camera on walks...
Look for beauty everywhere or make it yourself...
Fresh flowers and candles at breakfast should be standard...
At Camilla's blog you'll also see that one of her most important influences is her Swedish Farm Dog, Morran, who sleeps at her feet as she works...
...and often finds her way into her paintings...
Recommence
Bite or Burner
Morran In The Woods
Love Me. Obey Me. (I'm not sure if this is Morran. But every dog owner knows this feeling.)
Poppytalk has a great interview with Camilla and asks her "How much do you think Morran affects your creativity process?"
I love Camilla's answer:
"Morran loves me no matter how ugly or bad things I make. She also keeps me away from working all day and all night. You can always say that you don't have time to your friends and family, but a dog is craving attention and long walks. She makes me a better, nicer and happier person."
I always think about my dog inspiring me to work, but I think Camilla might be right. Dogs inspire us to get out in the world and look at it though different, more sensitive eyes, and more importantly, get out of our own heads now and then. What more could an artist ask for in a muse?
One of my favorite Morran images is available in two limited edition prints.
Can We Dance. Edition of 16. $160 each.
close up.
Cane We Dance (line drawing). Edition of 7. $130 each.
See dozens of gorgeous Morran photos and short films at Camilla's Flickr site.
P.S. Be warned that nearly all the links on Camilla's blog take you to more "coffee pot artists" -- enjoy!
