Interview: Sanna Stabell

In conversation with Arizona based, self-taught artist and ‘imperfectionist’ Sanna Stabell.


@sannastabellofficial

Can you talk about your journey into or interest the arts?

It was quite odd actually, one day I just wanted to paint I think it was 2014. So I went to the craft store and bought 79cent paints and used cardboard and just started throwing paint like a lunatic, I felt more comfortable in the beginning using my fingers over a brush. I didn’t start using “good” paint and canvas until a couple of years ago.

Do you use a sketchbook? I’m interested in what a sketchbook means to you and your work.

No sketchbook, if I try to plan anything it shuts down my creativity. It all happens at once and very quickly.

What themes are you exploring though your work?

No themes, it’s just whatever I’m feeling at that moment without any thought.

You refer to imperfection in your work, can you talk about this and what that means to you?

I’m not technical with anything so to try with painting would be a disaster. I just turn the music up loud start dancing and see what happens.

You have mentioned that your work is in part create by anxiety, can you talk about this and how that informs your work?

I unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it have gone through multiple levels of trauma. Anxiety is my life, I can only try to nudge it in a positive direction… sometimes I’m successful ?

Can you talk about your process of working. How do you work, how often, is there a particular pattern?

My work is a bit chaotic, fast and messy. I try to paint everyday to keep the creativeness flowing.

Do you find the process of creating work relaxing or therapeutic?

Neither actually, it’s panic inducing most of the time. When that’s over I can usually enjoy what’s been created.