Joakim Ceder

Once in a while I actually do perfectly normal paintings -- poppies, still life, or why not beautiful Lake Mälaren here in Stockholm, Sweden. But mostly, I find this tumbling world so bewildering that I have to paint something equally juxtaposed, often with dark and wry humour. The few oils I do lovingly slowly, painstakingly careful as an archaeological excavation of the subconscious. Then there's all my intricate "inquarelles", an ink-and-aqua tech that I developed for speed in my days as a commercial artist, and now there's digital ramblings too. But fast or slow, my works can only be finished by you, with your feelings and interpretations. You are an artwork too.

Took art at college, but then turned to illustration. I've worked almost two decades in that capacity, but it was studying philosophy that brought me back to art again. So little time, so many questions. I consider myself mostly autodidact. But I had invaluable help and advice from senior, established artists in my formative years. This, and endless practice shaped me.

I've had roughly one exhibition per annum since 2004, mostly for the Hässelby society of Arts (Hässelby konstförening) and Larry's Corner, both in Stockholm, Sweden. No upcoming exhibitions are decided yet.