The first installment in a series of Art Talk videos to be featured on The FAA Collective.
The FAA Collective would like to present “The Craft of Art and Nature,” an immersive video interview with artist, Per Elof Nilsson Ricklund, graduate of and former principal instructor at The Florence Academy of Art.
In this talk Per Elof openly discusses how many things incorporate together in his art practice including his history with academic study and his family heritage. He touches on the abstract, intrinsic, and soulful aspects of figurative painting; how he found himself in the world of classical realist painting in Florence; and how his time in Florence strengthened his connection to his Sami roots and solidified many of the themes he focuses on in his work.
This video was filmed in Per Elof’s studio in Florence before he left to return to Sweden, surrounded by paintings for a self titled solo show (images available in a link below) in The Florence Academy of Art Gallery. Per Elof explains some of his process and inspiration for his collection of works on display. Depicting scenes and themes from Nordic, Sami, and naturalistic theologies and cultures, he talks specifically about one painting depicting Sami god Bieggolmai and how he finds connections between the craft of nature practiced by Europe’s indigenous peoples and the craft of art.
On his website these works are under the header “poiesis” which is “the activity in which a person brings something into being that did not exist before.” Per Elof’s work combines Western civilization and archeology, classical art, and his nordic heritage with a unique, authentic, and thoughtful hand.
Per Elof is a third generation Swedish artist, The Florence Academy of Art graduate, and former director of the Anatomy and Écorché programs as well as a former principal instructor in painting. His work today takes form as dialogs based on his Sami heritage, history, and cultures, drawing knowledge and inspiration from archeological, ancient and classical art. He splits his time working between wilderness and civilization, the north of Sweden and the living museums of the world.
Full biography of Per Elof Nilsson Ricklund here:
View more of the work of Per Elof Nilsson Ricklund here:
Website: www.penricklund.com
Instagram: @penricklund
FAA Gallery: Per Elof Nilsson Ricklund 2019 online Exhibition
FAA Alumni Gallery: Per Elof Nilsson Richlund
