Karolina Nolin, from and in Karlstad, Sweden, is a multifaceted artist renowned for her captivating paintings and graphic art. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Nolin is a dedicated high school teacher specializing in art and psychology. Her artistic journey is marked by a rich educational background, numerous exhibitions, and a distinct style that combines urban inspiration with personal expression. This blog post delves into her experiences, artistic philosophy, and the duality of her life as both an artist and an educator.
Visit Karolinas store: Karolinanolin.se
Early Beginnings: The Love for Painting
Karolinas’s passion for art was evident from a young age, and she pursued her ambition through various educational avenues. “I always have [painted], and I have done it for as long as I can remember,” she shares. She studied at Sundstagymnasium in Karlstad from 1989 to 1992, diving into the aesthetic program. Following that, she expanded her skills with a focus on Form and Design at Karlstad University in 2006 and Sketching Technique in 2007. Additionally, she completed her teacher training program at Karlstad University from 2003 to 2007, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of both artistic and educational practices.
Karolina Nolin Urban Inspiration: The Pulse of Cities
One of the most significant sources of inspiration for Karolina Nolin comes from her surroundings—cities. Her works often reflect the architecture, rhythm, and vibrancy of urban life. “Just walking around the streets of different small or large cities makes me long for my studio,” she states. For Nolin, every corner of a city is filled with stories and visuals waiting to be interpreted on canvas.
A key aspect of her artistic process is her approach to inspiration. Karolina Nolin often attends exhibitions of fellow artists, seeking inspiration but not imitation. She likens her process to cooking from a recipe, using it as a guideline while allowing herself the freedom to adjust and create a personal flavor. This mirrors her individuality in artwork, ensuring that while influenced by others, she stays true to her creative voice.
Exploring Her Style: Monotype and Mixed Techniques
Karolina Nolin’s artwork features a recognizable style that captures the essence of urban environments. Her paintings often depict houses standing on checkered floors framed by trees and lampposts, creating a playful yet thought-provoking atmosphere. This combination of elements showcases her technical skills while reflecting her inspiration.
Karolina Nolin employs a technique she has evolved from traditional monotype, referring to her style as "monotype/mixed technique." Her art combines stark black-and-white graphic elements with vibrant colors, creating dynamic contrasts. A reviewer aptly described her work as “children's book illustrations for adults,” highlighting the whimsy and depth within her pieces. This playful description illustrates Karolina Nolin's ability to translate the complexities of adult experiences into a visual language that resonates with a broad audience.
Further Readings
→ Karolinas Art: Karolinanolin.se
→ How to organize your handbag: Organize your bag
"I like my students too much to quit and want to have a foot in reality." ."
Exhibitions and Set Design
Karolina Nolin's work has been showcased in various exhibitions, both solo and group. She has held solo exhibitions at notable venues such as Konstfrämjandet Karlstad, Galleri Kvadraten in Kristinehamn, and the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm. Additionally, her participation in diverse group exhibitions, including the Värmlands Konstförening's Autumn Salons at Värmlands Museum and the Pop Up exhibition in Stockholm, demonstrates her active engagement with the art community.
In addition to her paintings, Karolina Nolin has ventured into set design. She created the set design for the play "Pelle svanslös" for Scalateatern in Karlstad, as well as for "Lekplats Karlstad" in the production "Templarriddaren." These projects showcase her versatility and ability to adapt her artistic vision to different mediums.
Karolina Nolins Bukvy Bags
Balancing Act: Teaching, Parenting, and Artistry
Despite her growing career as an artist, Karolina Nolin values her role as a teacher. She expresses, "I like my students too much and want to have a foot in reality." Balancing her responsibilities as a high school psychology and art teacher while nurturing her burgeoning career as an artist is no small feat. Karolina Nolin’s organizational skills and thoughtful approach help her to maintain a balance between teaching, parenting, and creating art.
This commitment to education illustrates her dedication to nurturing the next generation while pursuing her passions and emphasizes the importance of cultivating talent in young students. Karolina Nolin believes that being inspired by others while maintaining one’s unique voice is essential to the creative process, fostering an environment where students can explore their creativity.
Recognition and Achievements
Karolina Nolin has been recognized for her contributions to the arts, receiving the Karlstad Municipality's cultural scholarship in memory of Gustaf Fröding. This acknowledgment not only highlights her talent but also cements her place within the local cultural landscape. Her multifaceted career took another turn in 2010 when she welcomed a son, adding theres.
What inspires you in your style?
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“Just walking around the streets of different small or large cities makes me long for my studio”
Get to know Karolina Nolin
What made you dare to focus on painting?
When I found my technique and combined it with my style, I felt safe. Finding something that felt both personal and unique made it okay to show. After a lot of exhibitions with a good response, I thought it was worth spending time on. I have gradually cut back on my teaching job to make room for art. But I really enjoy both of my jobs. In my case, it has been safe to, on the one hand, devote myself to something socially beneficial and teach young people psychology and, on the other hand, be alone in the studio and paint. That one can support the other and vice versa. Contrasts. And being able to yearn is good.
If you are uninspired during painting time, what helps you get inspired?
I take a walk and take pictures, look for colors in nature. Listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music. Call my friends. If that doesn't work, I will take on the administrative side and feel that I am at least taking the company forward.
What shouldn't we miss in Karlstad?
The beautiful library at Värmland Museum. Buy a take-away coffee and sit by the docks at Sandgrundsudden. Take a walk along the river, Malin Jostéu's shop and salon is like a candy shop for adults, Thimar Form (a nice interior design shop) the rooftop bar at the city hotel.
Favorite restaurant?
Nonna Grassa, Baron, Guldapan, Fratelli or old classics like Alfie’s or Fontana.
What are your all-time favorite brands?
Swedish brands run by women are definitely my favorites: Teurn Studios, Rodebjer, Hope, Toteme and Bukvy (of course:) but also Acne, Arket and HM.
The Author: Elena Ekström
Elena is the founder of Bukvy and is passionate about supporting women's everyday lives with stylish and functional bags.
