Emma Forsberg's Pastel Tribute To Fika And Hygge

Copenhagen-based artist Emma Forsberg has created a collection around 'Fika', the concept of giving yourself a moment to have a break and socialise with a coffee or tea and, typically, a pastry. Influenced by Mads Berg and Elin PK, Emma describes her latest collection as nostalgic yet modern, themed around coffee and sweets in a pastel "hygge" universe.

Welcome to Postery! How are you?

Good, good! I've been busy, which is the common refrain, but busy in a good way.

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

I've painted and drawn my whole life, sometimes sporadically, but I always come back.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

I like to make art as gifts for people, and I see my regular pieces as gifts. It drives my perfectionism, so I can't give my stuff to people unless it's exactly how I need it to be.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

Mads Berg is a master of composition, and although my work is nothing like his, I admire his stuff a lot. From the Postery artists, Elin PK is someone whose work I love, love, love.

Tell us a little bit about your latest collection.

It's very frou-frou and very yummy. I tried to create something with a nostalgic element that also seemed modern.

Did you follow a specific theme?

Coffee and sweets, in my hygge pastel universe.

How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?

Art isn't typical work to me; it's more precious somehow. When you do something like painting, dancing, or music, you can hit "a flow state," where your brain is humming away, all in balance. My husband knows if I'm getting stressed, I'll start immersing myself in a painting to calm down. He always smiles and asks, "Self-soothing with your painting?" So the question is how I'd manage without art.

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

Understanding your own style. Developing the confidence to see exactly what your voice is and how it is embedded in your work. I've ranged in style and themes throughout the years, but I can sense my essence running throughout.

What does art mean to you?

Human beings are so fun and complex, and creating new things or stories is one of our most fascinating abilities.

Does your residential place have an impact on your art?

I live in Copenhagen, a city I vastly romanticise and love. So, I sometimes paint Copenhagen scenes and places. Also, being immersed in Danish design is wonderful. Sometimes, I'll walk through town, look into boutique windows, and just feel inspired by it all. I like seeing lots of pinks and purples in pottery and homewares.

How do you see your prints in an interior setting?

In someone's home, someone who isn't shy about colour — a bit quirky but also homely. They would be nice near a dining table, with fun coloured frames. I love the Postery wavy frames.

What do you like doing when you are not creating?

I like reading, exploring little places, and taking photographs. In the warmer months, I roller skate in my bright pink skates. My friend "sold" rollerblading to me a few years ago as athletics with an aesthetic — we could play music and dress up, and I've never felt more targeted. So, of course, I bought rollerskates.

What are you focusing on right now?

I'm between projects now, but percolating. I think I want to do more tables? I will likely paint some more scenes in Copenhagen as well.

Do you have any future projects you would like to share with us?

I'm launching a limited edition collection with Papirværk on their handmade paper, which is made from recycled paper from businesses and schools. I went to their factory in Odense yesterday and made a few pieces of paper with them, which was very labour-intensive. But it's a lovely process, very environmentally friendly, and they are a fantastic bunch of people doing great things.

Thank you Emma!