Interview with LYSS STUDIO
In today’s post we had a chat with Malin Ekelyck, a Swedish Designer also living in Northern California with her husband and two children. She is the Creator and Artist behind the brand LYSS STUDIO that is known for it’s Minimal and Modern Art Pieces and Line Drawings.
So let’s get right into our Interview with LYSS STUDIO, shall we?
How did your Interest for Design start?
My interest has been there for as long as I can remember. Growing up my dad was working as an art director and graphic designer and did so partly from home. I remember watching him work; with all from layout, photography, digital design to drawing and painting. I was fascinated with what he created and the art and photos that were up on our walls at home. Later on I studied graphic design and communication and I remember it felt a bit like second nature.
How would You describe Your Style?
When I started Lyss Studio I gave myself the challenge to create something expressive with something that’s pretty stoic in itself; a line. I would describe the style of my line art pieces as simplistic, modern and inspirational. At its core what I create is, not very surprisingly, “Scandinavian” from growing up and living in Sweden for almost my whole life.
How did You end up choosing Your specific style of Line Drawings ?
It was a combination of a lot of things. I just had my daughter and after being home with her for a while I desired a creative outlet. At the time I didn’t have much art supplies and so I wanted to do something that didn’t require much to get started. As I was looking for inspiration I found a few line art drawings and they really stood out to me. They are so simple and yet give so much room for expression and interpretation. All I needed to get started was a pen and I quickly took on the challenge. I said to myself “let’s see what I can create out of just one line”, and that’s how Lyss Studio was born.
Where do You get Your Inspiration from?
My biggest inspiration and motivation is: people. The real, beautiful aspects of who we are as people is at the core of the majority of my drawings. I also find inspiration from things I personally experience in life and from all sorts of artistic expressions like music, sculptures, photographs, a broad spectrum of art styles and so on.
My very first art series is called “An Ode to Women”. The inspiration and comeradery I experience from the incredible women around me made me want to create something to celebrate womanhood and to with each piece inspire to awaken different qualities we have within us as women.
What are some important things in Your Creative Process?
Something that’s really important to me is to throw perfectionism out the door. My daughter really helps me with that. I am intentional with having her with me at times when I create, and to not care about details too early. She just draws exactly what she wants and doesn’t take into account what anyone would think of it. It inspires me to let go and to enjoy experimenting. Later on is when I get very specific with the details of every little curve of the line. Like, ridiculously meticulous:)
Another thing is to not rush the process. It requires several takes of working on a drawing for me to complete it. I start it, and then sometimes I give it a few weeks, even months, until I come back to it again. I always look to communicate something specific through my pieces and I will not move on until can I see and feel it. It’s teaching me patience. Having fun is another thing – it has to be fun to create. If it’s not I’m doing it for the wrong reasons and I have to stop.
Your Favorite Instagram accounts and why?
@johannagilan I don’t think there’s anything this woman can’t do. She’s an artist and interior designer, she rocks at landscaping and clothing design and on top of it she always has great things to say. She has a refreshing way of staying true to herself and always inspires me with her latest creative project.
@studiolisabengtssson This woman is a bold artist and she translates her unique patterns onto things like wallpapers, china and fabric. She inspires me with her “loud” and unapologetic art style.
@schulverket Whatever this girl creates is beautiful whether it’s ceramics, jewelry or art prints. It can be the most simple expression, still the way it’s made is with great care and aesthetic precision.
Who is your Favorite Designer and why?
One of them would be an Austrian artist named Gustav Klimt. He mostly portrays women and has a powerful way of portraying intimacy and imperfection with beautiful details in his paintings.
A Fun Fact about You?
This is always a hard one to answer. I speak thai, because I used to live there for a small season in life. I was also a co-designer for a milk-package in Sweden once.
If you were a piece of Furniture or a Decor Item – what would you be and why?
I would be a decorative pillow. They’re warm, reliable and go well together with most everything in a house. But you can also easily change out the covers into all from neutral, muted fabrics to colorful patterns and detailed embroidery.
Last Question – Where can people find You and Your Art?
They can find my store at Lyss Studio Swedish art & design and on Instagram as @lyss.studio
So there you go. I hope you are inspired by Malin and today’s interview with LYSS STUDIO.
Until next time,
Hejdå!
(goodbye in swedish)
// Josefine Appadoo for Scandinavian Style House
