A sunny afternoon in May, I popped my head into a friend’s studio and saw a display of art work that instantly tickled my imagination. Visiting for the weekend was Swedish illustrator and artist Linn Schrab, whose quirky and meticulous drawings were so unique I asked her to be Sweden With Love’s July Creative Crush.
When I look at Linn’s art, my storytelling gene kicks into gear. I can easily conjure up a happy — and even funny — tale based on her wonderful characters. “I’m inspired by folk art and native art, because you can tell it comes from the heart,” says Linn. “I’m also influenced by the stories of my childhood. My grandmothers used to tell me a lot of tales when I was a kid, and those stories pop into my head when I sit down to draw. I’ll wonder what that old man looked like who played the accordion and always wore his hat crooked.”
Animals and nature are also common themes in Linn’s illustrations. “I’m fascinated by wild animals and the shapes you find in nature,” says Linn. “Many of these animals are iconic, and I hope it conveys the message that if we don’t pay attention they might disappear.”
Linn combines the use of watercolors, ink, acrylics and even Photoshop to create her art. The result is colorful illustrations with wonderful detail and a healthy dose of happiness. “I hope that people will feel the joys and wonders of the world when they look at my art,” says Linn. “And I hope they make up their own stories!”
You can see more of Linn’s beautiful work at her website.
All photographs by Ulrica Wihlborg ©2013.
Love her style! Where are they to be found?
Linda, you can find more of her work on http://www.lejonlinn.com. She sells beautiful giclee prints of her art work that are very reasonable and gorgeous — you just have to email her through her website! x, Ulrica.