Sara Söderholm: Getting Away

A blank sheet of paper can become an escape as you put weight on pencil or pen, guiding it across with vigour and without restraint. Each line and pattern carries the weight of a unique expression until the markings on the page become their own decorated world full of feeling and life.

Sara Söderholm is a Stockholm-based illustrator. She draws inspiration from life reflections and observations that overflow with an abundance of beauty and detail. And beneath the quiet expressions of her drawn and etched figures – which seem to be the result of the difficulty of finding acceptable words to describe how she feels – hide patterns that encompass an intimate dialogue, a voice given by the flourish of her hand.

What sorts of things in the world inspire you and your art?

Anything can inspire me but I need to be in a certain mood for wanting to express it somehow.

What were your drawings like growing up? What has changed since then and what aspects of the past still linger in your work?

I often drew horses, family portraits and made up classmates and then wrote stories about them. It was my world back then. I guess I still draw things that are important to me, but it’s more about the inner world now and not so much about school.

Your drawings often portray these figures with solemn facial expressions. How would you describe the moods of these figures?

I think they are thinking too much about serious things.

These figures also seem to have a deep underlying story behind them – hidden lives, so to speak. How would you characterize figures like the two women in “Getting Away”?

It’s about wanting to be somewhere else.

And these figures are also very stylish. How does fashion influence your art and where do your inspirations for their sartorial looks come from?

I live in Stockholm where fashion is important to many people. I like beautiful things and clothes too, but sometimes it can get a bit too much. I guess those two figures are dreaming about a different, less stylish life.

How do you normally start a drawing? And what is the process like?

First I get a feeling or an idea. If I’m lucky I see a clear picture in my head that I then try to visualize on paper.

You also create music videos and cover art for bands. What role does music play in your work?

Music was my main inspiration source when I was younger. It’s not so much anymore but still important. Mostly because it can keep me in a certain state of mind for a long time.

Your work contains a lot of fine detail and work with patterns. How does this kind of intricate work reflect on you as an artist? How would you describe your art?

There are many repetative shapes in nature and society that catch my eye. I find it interesting that almost every living thing is stuck in a pattern of some sort, many times without realizing it. I guess my art is about that somehow.

How would you describe your art space? And what’s the best way for you to become motivated for drawing?

I want to be alone and sit in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee while listening to podcasts.

- Sara Söderholm, illustrator