In Conversation: Karolina Kling

From classical piano and rave culture to print design and painting, Karolina Kling has always let creativity shift shape. Her practice resists repetition, absorbing influences from travel, exhibitions and cultural encounters, and thrives on momentum – proving that persistence is the true engine of art.

Text by: Anna Falkenland

“You’re not an artist or designer to chase success – you do it because you love doing it.”

Tell us about yourself and how you got started with art.

- I have always been creative, but in my early years it was mainly through music. Art came into my life quite late, after many years working with fashion and prints. Later on, I started painting and it has become an important outlet for me.

When did you first realise art was going to be a central part of your life?

- I worked as a print designer for 15 years, so art has been part of my professional life for a long time. But I would say that over the past five years it has become more important, evolving from small A3 paintings into large canvases.

How has your style evolved over the years?

- Stylistically, I move in and out of different approaches. I might spend months painting in one style, and then move on to something else – and I enjoy that. I would get bored repeating the same style over and over.

Who are your artistic influences?

- My influences come from many places. I love the artist Masha Reva for her energy and colours. Alekos Fassianos, Matisse’s early paintings, and Picasso’s ceramics are also inspirations I return to year after year.

Does your place of residence have an impact on your art?

- I live in Gothenburg, but I can’t say the city influences me that much. I get most of my inspiration from travelling, which has become really important to me.

What has been your most surprising success as an artist?

- I’d actually flip the question and say I’ve been more surprised by how much work you put in without any immediate success. When I was younger, I thought being featured in magazines or having a few collaborations would be enough. But nothing really happened, no matter how much exposure I had. I’ve realised you just have to keep at it: work, work, work. You’re not an artist or designer to chase success – you do it because you love doing it. 

What are your sources of inspiration?

- As I mentioned before: travel, travel, travel. Since flying has become so much more expensive, it’s harder to travel as much as I’d like, but I really live off the trips I take. Beautiful places, art exhibitions, different cultures, the way people dress, good food – it’s all inspiration.

Has your work been influenced by other fields – for instance science, literature, music or travel?

- Music used to be a huge part of my life. I played classical music for 15 years, as well as in bands, and I was part of the rave culture. Many different styles of music shaped me. But I think the discipline I have today comes from practising the piano so seriously as a child.

Do you have any rituals or routines before you start creating?

- I don’t really have a routine as such. I just think it’s important to sit down and work, no matter what mood you’re in. Inspiration doesn’t automatically come – you have to treat it like a job and work through it. Personally, I get more inspiration the more I work myself into the project. I rarely have it in the beginning.

How do you overcome creative blocks?

- The only way is to work yourself through it!

“If too much time passes without seeing good art in person, I really feel it – it doesn’t feel good at all.”

What’s your favourite part of the artistic process, and what’s the hardest?
- The hardest part is before I start – when I don’t really know how to shape the idea or execute the work. I don’t like that stage at all. But the deeper I get into the process, the more I enjoy it. It helps that I usually work with a clear purpose: I know the client, the product, or the space it’s intended for. That way of working suits me well.

What does art mean to you?
- Art means a lot to me, of course. It’s difficult living in a city where there aren’t many exhibitions to visit. When I lived in London, I made sure to see as much art as possible – something I still do whenever I travel. It gives me inspiration and energy that lasts a long time. If too much time passes without seeing good art in person, I really feel it – it doesn’t feel good at all.

Has there been a failure or “bad” work that, in retrospect, taught you something unexpectedly powerful?
- I’m not sure I’d call it bad work, but I’ve taken on roles that didn’t suit me. The older I get, the more I understand that I should just work for myself. I’ve always struggled in big corporations with lots of bosses above me, where creativity is ultimately about making money for someone else. I’ll soon start working as a designer for a smaller firm, and I’m looking forward to making an impact for the first time since I had my own business.

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
- I think the biggest challenge is being creative while also earning money. That’s why I’ve always had a full-time job alongside the projects I’m truly passionate about. That way I can create purely for joy and expression, without relying on it for my livelihood.

How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?
- Being a mum, working full-time, making art AND having a blooming relationship? I just do my best. 

What are you focusing on right now?
- Right now I’m working on a homeware collection for Fine Little Day, launching in January 2026, and I’m starting a new job. Both are really exciting. Plus, of course, being part of Art Made This – I think it will be a great platform to be involved in.

If you could create anything with unlimited resources, what would it be?
- I would love to design furniture! To create both the prints for the fabrics and the pieces themselves. That’s been a dream for a long time.

What project or idea do you dream of that feels almost out of reach right now?
- My biggest dream – though it feels a bit out of reach at the moment – is to buy a house abroad in France or Italy and renovate it. One day it has to happen. I will make sure of it!