Sara Ödman
Swedish-born artist Sara Ödman grew up in a creative family — today based in Lyon, France, she channels this into her expressive abstract paintings.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson I Photography: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
Sara Ödman’s colourful abstract paintings. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
‘I grew up in a family where art has always been a way to express yourself. My father painted a lot when I was younger, colourful pieces, full of energy,’ says Sara Ödman. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
‘I believe that my artwork is the fruit of my roots, a Latin touch, my passion for design and the pleasure of the freedom that I feel when creating without any constraints,’ says Sara Ödman. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
Sara Ödman’s practice begins with sketches and playing with the composition of shapes and colours. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
‘The years in Paris and living in France have brought me another perspective, both aesthetically and mentally,’ says Sara Ödman. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
Sara Ödman follows her heart in creating her colourful abstract paintings. Working on cotton and linen canvases with acrylic paint, the artist is inspired by the prairies, forests, and the ocean she grew up around and the nature that continues to surround her.
‘Surrounded by the prairies and the ocean my entire childhood, nature is a big part of my roots and my source of inspiration, says Sara. ‘It’s an endless treasure with combinations of colours and shapes, and I love to play with that in mind creating abstract encounters in my paintings.’
In Sweden, Sara grew up in a family that encouraged art. Her father painted colourful artworks full of energy, her mother was creative in textile and decoration, and her brother is photographer and artist Fredrik Ödman, who, Sara shares, creates ‘visuals where the imagination has no boundaries’.
In her early twenties, Sara moved to Paris and embarked on an Art Direction and Design career for more than 15 years, which complements her art practice perfectly in creativity. Recently she moved to Lyon, where her studio is today — this time in France adding another perspective aesthetically and mentally.
Three years ago, Sara felt the time was right to begin painting, an empty canvas at home drawing her in, calling her desire. ‘A piece of me fell into the right place at that moment, and the inspiration to develop my artwork continues since then,’ she says.
‘I definitely feel that imagination and creativity are my fuels for feeling alive.’ says Sara Ödman. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
A pair of Sara Ödman’s large scale colourful abstract paintings. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
“When I think of my childhood in Sweden, I feel the big prairies, the beautiful forests, and the endless ocean. The culture and the nature have definitely influenced my way to express today.”
‘Inspiring destinies, design, fashion, travel and space for dreams and new goals are all things that inspires me and boost my energy,’ says Sara Ödman. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
‘I get very excited about the unknown, the feeling of freedom, adventure, and the unexpected that could be just around the corner,’ says Sara Ödman. Photo: Courtesy of Sara Ödman
Sara’s practice begins with sketches, playing with the composition of shapes and colours. ‘Some music with good and positive vibes is often playing while I work and a cup of coffee is never far away,’ she adds. From here, the artist begins to build her canvas with layers of colour in acrylic paint.
‘I take a break, two steps back, deciding what to change and what to keep until I find a balance, and I’m satisfied with the result,’ says Sara. ‘I love to work on big canvases; that’s when I feel the most free and comfortable.’
Recently, Sara spent time in Beijing after wanting to travel as far as she could to discover a different country and culture. The trip was full of inspiration and opened her eyes to new detail and beautiful friendships — including her first encounter with textile print design, which continues today.
‘I always find it fascinating how a short period of your life can be so enriching for the rest of your life,’ she says. ‘I get very excited about the unknown, the feeling of freedom, adventure, and the unexpected that could be just around the corner.’
Last summer, Sara had her first solo at Paris’s Gallery Esther & Paul in the 6th Arrondissement, only a couple of streets away from where she studied for five years. This summer, she is working on a new series of paintings in her new garden-bound home, perfectly suited for the long warm days filled with creativity.
Sara’s greatest highlight of her career is the positivity she can share with her artworks — ‘that I can work from my heart and get so much positive feedback and wonderful encounters makes me feel grateful.’ She concludes, ‘I always feel passionate by the idea of creating a new piece, from something’s that’s within me, and that can affect someone else in a positive way.’