BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
The art of Matti Berglund is bursting with color, self expression and heart. Three things we could all use a heavier dose of in life. Her talents cross several mediums and you can find a collection of her pieces in Bloom at Cherry Creek. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn more about her background, process and focus for the future.
Tell us a little bit about your background… What made you interested in art? Who were your early influencers?
I grew up in Oslo, Norway where I learned to appreciate the gifts of light, through endless summer nights and finite winter days, and of storytelling, through the constant sharing of folkloric tales. I use my art to shine light in the dark, to tell stories of joy, beauty and strength.
Whether it is my paintings or garments, my work is always colorful, bright and full of whimsy. Often, my ideas come to me in dreams, as amalgams of a myriad of inspirations, everything from Elizabethan portraiture to outsider art, from haute couture to streetwear.
One of my oldest sources of inspiration is my family. My mom was a skilled seamstress and had a little shop at home. Ladies would bring pictures from magazines and my mom could make whatever they fancied. I spent many hours watching my mom sew. She would say to me, “You will never be a good seamstress, you are too impatient!” So, I started drawing ladies in dresses instead–a hobby that eventually turned into me creating paintings of ladies in dresses.
My given name is Marianne. I was named after my two grand-mothers; Marie and Anna. One was deeply religious and the other was very much a pagan. My work is influenced by both worldviews, often in conversation with each other in unexpected ways.
Who are your current art inspirations? Do you look to other contemporary artists’ work during your artistic process?
My current sources of inspiration are young and eclectic artists and creatures; Dorothy Lannone, Herikita (@herikitaconk) and Damsel Djenaba (@damsel.elysium), to name a few. I often find contemporary artists on social media, but nothing beats coming across inspiration in person. I poke around in my city and often find inspiration right in my own neighborhood. People are so creative, and I often think “Wow, why didn’t I think of that!” Street style especially inspires me, and I might use a color, an earring or makeup I saw that day in a painting.
Aside from painting, you also work with textiles. Can you tell us about your process when you’re in your studio?
My creative practice involves many mediums, but I primarily make my living as a painter, using oil, acrylic, and collage. I also love to experiment with making garments through various techniques, such as sewing, knitting, embroidery, up-cycling and the incorporation of found objects. I especially love when my garments and paintings are in conversation with one another. Much like a printmaker would use printing techniques in one piece, I use my clothes as a backdrop in a painting. For example, my latest dress might be worn by an Elizabethan-inspired lady in my latest painting.
In another recent project, I created a wearable Matador jacket made of recycled fabric and tassels. I also painted a woman wearing the jacket called “Traje de Luces” or “Suit of light.” For me fashion and clothes are a vital form of self-expression. I would probably dress all in Marni or Dries Van Noten if I could afford it. But I often make my own clothes that combine romantic textiles and shapes with a bit of a grungy street clothes vibe. I like to make dresses I can wear over jeans or while I am painting – paint splatters just add to their beauty.
You have a distinct style, what are your guiding principles when creating a new piece?
I start a new painting with a message I want to share. It can be a social commentary on current events, like “Frontier girl,” which is an ode to the courageous, young people fighting climate change. Other paintings explore more broad themes of shining light in the dark, spreading love and joy, and finding common ground and compassion. One of my favorite paintings that speaks to spreading love and compassion is “We all Belong.” I have painted a few different versions of this piece, but in general, it depicts a diverse group of people, animals and fantastical creatures, all sharing a meal at the table. Although my work is somewhat decorative, it always has an underlying and important message. I feel strongly, now more than ever, that my purpose in creating art is to spread joy.
What’s your take on the Denver art scene?
I love the Denver art scene. So many creative souls have moved here in recent years and brought with them inspiration from the west coast and east coast and everywhere in between. Vintage, up-cycle, street art, food, music – we got it! Also, we have one of the best art museums in the country; The Denver Art Museum exposed me to the infinite possibilities of art when I was first beginning my career in Denver over 30 years ago, as it still does today. Denver has a little bit to offer for everyone, but personally I love the history of the city, that it is the last outpost before crossing the Rocky Mountains. I think that history is reflected in the energy of the City and the people who live here today.
What is your advice for budding artists?
My advice to young budding artists is stay true to yourself!!!! Be influenced by others, but never copy. With social media it’s so easy to be led down a wrong path, or get discouraged. Your best work is something you make for yourself, something you have a hard time parting with. Have fun while you create and let your inner child play. Most of all, practice self-love. Being an artist can be a tough career at times, but I am so grateful to be my own boss and to let the creative process guide the adventure. It’s important to stay open to opportunities and see where they lead. In my experience, my art has always taken me somewhere unexpected, and I try and just enjoy the ride.
What is currently spinning on your record player?
I always listen to music while I work. At the moment: The music from The Dwarf fortress (video game), Sierra Ferrel, Leon Bridges, and Elizabethan Lute music.
Can you give us a glimpse of your studio and frame of mind when you’re creating?
My studio is also my home. That’s where I have all my collections and treasures that I have gathered over the years. My living room wall is a giant collage, where I’ve attached layers of colorful paper and many of my favorite paintings and three-dimensional pieces hang–new and old, from all over the world. In my kitchen, hangs a 16th century Scandinavian altarpiece and some beloved small wooden sculptures.
I love sitting down by my kitchen island which doubles as my workbench, in the morning with a good cup of coffee and a lit candle. The music is playing, ambient and soothing. Morning is magic time. Depending on if I’m about to start a painting or if it is already in progress, I will work at the table or on the easel. I prefer working in oil because it allows me to be fluid. I tell myself there’s no mistake here, every mark is a part of the process. Once a layer of paint dries, I will use a sander to build texture and faintly reveal previous layers. This process creates ghostlike images that I just love. My paintings are stylized, beautiful, poetic, surreal, quirky, yet elegant. I call them contemporary Elizabethan.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I live and work in a little vintage cottage in the Santa Fe Art District in Denver. It’s my sanctuary, but space is limited and my dream is to spiff up the entry room and turn it into a studio and showroom. My house is commercially zoned, and I would love to have a little shop with one-of-a-kind garments and paintings. Maybe even have a collaboration with young upcoming artists and/or makers and provide a space for them to showcase their work.
Matti, thank you so much for sharing your art and vision with us. We are inspired by your process and can’t wait to see your future creations. If you would like to learn more about Matti and her art, please visit www.mattimade.com.