At The Ode To we are always curious to learn more about creativity and artistry, so we asked Ann-Charlotte Frick the artist behind Stilla Sinnet to tell us a little bit about her life, her art and her sources of inspiration.
What do you call your series of artworks?
– It’s called “The Bold Collection”. Each vase has its own expression and a strong design language, making it stand out and speak for itself.
What inspired you to create the artworks you have made for The Ode To?
– There is not one thing or one situation that has inspired me to create the vases in The Bold Collection. I’ve been inspired by various shapes and objects in my surroundings – it can be anything from the bark or roots of a tree, the leaves of a plant or the clouds in the sky. I’m also inspired by conversations and socializing with family, as well as with friends and acquaintances. My head is constantly filled with ideas for new shapes. Everything I am inspired by matures over time and is woven together into new ideas and forms.
Name an artist that you admire?
– There are many artists that I admire. Right now, Alberto Bustos is on top of my list. I think he creates amazing sculptures and I appreciate how they always have a message. I admire his energy and generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience to others. Alberto's work is very different from mine, and it challenges me to think in new ways and to develop my creations with new techniques – but at the same time maintain my unique expression and what characterizes my creations.
Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be an artist?
– I used to work with product development, but I’ve always been interested in creating. A few years ago, I decided to quit my job because I didn’t find it as inspiring and developing as before. During the pandemic, I attended ceramic-and colour theory courses, and it made me interested in creating more with clay. To be able to start exhibiting, selling more, and take control of the entire process, I built my own ceramic studio in my house in Gothenburg in 2022. Today, I’m working in stoneware clay, and I use traditional hand building techniques such as coiling, rolling, carving and pinching. I shape and hand-build utensils as well as artworks, so every object is handmade and one of a kind. My artistry is about constant development; I always seek new forms, patterns, techniques and ways of expression. I’m a perfectionist, but at the same time – I want the style of my creations to be somewhat imperfect. I think it gives life to the objects. It’s lovely to see when my objects interact with the viewer. I love it when the viewer wants to touch my objects and feel the energy, joy and care I’ve put into each object when they were created.
How would you describe your art and aesthetics?
– Harmonic, curious and full of expression.
The art of Ann-Charlotte Frick is a constant balance act between perfection and imperfection – we love how her ceramic object has a strong expression, making us feel energized by creativity.
