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International Artists Day - Interview with Johanna Sjödin

• 24 October 2019

Johanna Sjödin, very talented artist from Sweden and our colleague from CCC Leipzig, was so kind and agreed to answer few questions for us.

Johanna, how and when did you start with the art?

I’ve always been drawing a lot. Since I was a small child, I’ve painted on everything, from napkins to my mother’s leather sofa. When my first exhibition 2006 was so well received, I gained the courage to take the decision to make a living out of my greatest passion.

Can you characterize what is typical for your art?

It is important for me to craft my pieces in a way that enables the audience to reflect upon themselves and to leave room for interpretation, without forcing my view upon them.

This might sound like a cliché, but who or what is the best inspiration for your artwork?

Music and autumn.

I guess this will be a hard choice, but is there a favorite piece of your artwork that has a special place in your heart?

I have one picture which I made lithographs of. I like it especially because I haven’t really figured it out yet. I haven’t grown bored of it even though five years have passed, since I’ve painted it. It is as if someone else made it and that holds a pleasurable feeling.

What would you describe as your greatest success, when it comes to art? Which exhibitions or other achievements are you particularly proud of?

This is a difficult question. For the outside observer a jury evaluated exhibition always weighs more heavily on an artists’ CV. Of course I am flattered by these too, but the fact that makes me proud of myself is that I’ve been brave enough to sacrifice financial security and the comfort of stability, in order to follow my goals.

Tell us, how did it happen that an artist ended up in the call center? And why did you choose exactly CCC?

Recently I moved to Leipzig from Sweden. I want to open up a gallery and I need to build up a renommée from scratch. A part time job is making it easier to start a new life in a new country. The flexible hours really suit my circumstances and I like the people I work with.

How did you actually come across CCC?

CCC is rated quite high in the workplace searches on Google. The evaluations given are all considered work atmosphere and individual maintenance, which speaks to me.

Art and this kind of work are probably like two different worlds. But is there something that you really enjoy about your job at CCC?

As a sales agent you are solemnly responsible for your work outcomes and get instant feedback on your performance.

We’re glad that you like working with us! And could you also tell us something personal about you? How would you describe yourself briefly? Or maybe how would your friends describe you?

To be completely honest, I wouldn’t know who I am without my art. It surrounds everything in me and when I create, I am able to land in my safe place. The fact that I see the world with an artist’s eyes is something that my dear friends could make fun of, with heart, of course.

And for the end, few “bullet questions”: What could you not live without in your life?

“Ostbågar”, but you would have to google that. (*we did – looks really yummy! 🙂 )

What do you want to have experienced once in your life?

Definitely not skydiving or bungee jumping.

Is there a habit of yours that makes other people crazy?

My boyfriend thinks I worry too much. Maybe it’s a Swedish trait, to always be ten minutes early for the train and such.

Thank you so much for opening up to us, Johanna, we wish you furthermore a lot of success and tons of joy with your art!
 
If you want to learn more about Johanna and her art, visit her webpage http://sjodinarts.com/ or follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.