Elin Lundman‘s work is kaleidoscopic, exuberant, and a bit cheeky. Her vibrant signature monsters can appear unexpectedly on an upcycled leather jacket or stretch across a large-scale mural in an exclusive gallery. She’s a multidisciplinary artist at the crossroads of fashion, sustainability, fine art, and street art.
Starting with a childhood filled with adventures in remote Sweden forests, Lundman developed a keen interest in fashion and crafting when she moved to the capital city of Stockholm. She relocated to Brooklyn in 2014, where she began blending her love of fashion and art thanks to discovering an acrylic paint for leather that helped her transform clothes and accessories into wearable works of art. Now Lundman lives in the artist-friendly Hudson Valley and continues to create new homes for these joyous monsters on canvases and reclaimed paintings.
How would you describe your art?
My art is playful and bold. I love bright colors and a punk-y aesthetic; I also focus on sustainability.
Where are you based, and does your location influence your art?
I grew up in Sweden but moved to the US in 2014. After a few years in Brooklyn, now I’m in Beacon, NY. All the places where I’ve lived have inspired and influenced my art: folklore from the Swedish forest, eclectic people in Sweden and the US, and the industrial beauty of Brooklyn. However, my art flourished in Beacon because I have my own studio here. Most importantly, my art comes from a place of joy—and I very much feel that here in Beacon. I feel at home in this town, and that makes me happy.
How do you see art’s role in society? What role would you like your art to play?
A creative outlet is a way for so many people to stay sane — it sure is for me. And when I see great work done by other artists, I want to create more art myself. It’s a cycle of creation and inspiration that we need so badly and is so valuable when the world is dark.
Did you know you wanted to be an artist as a child, and did you go to art school? If not, how did you become an artist?
Growing up, I was always very crafty and full of ideas. Drawing, sewing, working with clay. I’ve always had creative projects going on. I went to a performing arts program in high school but never went to art school. I started painting leather jackets and made accessories for my husband when he was a frontman for a band in Brooklyn, and my business grew organically from that. I bought leather paint when I wanted to paint him a jacket—and that’s how my painting of clothing started. One jacket became many.
Did anyone else greatly influence your art – for example, a relative, another artist, a particular art era or movement, or a muse?
There isn’t one specific person I’m inspired by— but a few years back, I went to a museum with Native American art in Arizona. There was a room of Kachina dolls, which really blew my mind. During trips to Mexico, I also loved the folk art there. Alebrijeates (sculptures of fantastical animals and imaginary creatures) influenced the monsters I’m painting. My childhood walks through the forests of Sweden, and its mythology is foundational
to my work, too.
Who would you choose if you could meet any artist, living or dead?
Ouff. Meeting an idol is never a good idea. I would say something stupid— or they will, which would potentially be even worse. I would rather admire people from afar. Haha.
How do you define success as an artist?
If you create art, you are an artist. If you feel good when you are creating, you are a successful artist. Period.
What is the toughest thing about being an artist, and what is the best thing?
The hardest part is dealing with all the other things you need to do related to your art, which is NOT making art: promoting yourself, sales, social media content, etc. The best part is seeing pieces I’ve painted out in the wild. It brings me so much satisfaction when something I’ve created has become a part of someone else’s life— it’s a thrill every time.
When is your favorite time to create?
During the day that’s the time I love to paint the most. I’m an early riser, and I love to go to my basement studio after walking my dog and having my first cup of coffee in the morning.
What would you do if you weren’t an artist?
If I weren’t an artist, I would be grumpier and possibly depressed. Not making art is not an option for me. I will always and forever have some creative projects brewing— it’s a part of who I am.
Where could someone find your artwork or portfolio website online?
My Instagram (@superhappyghostco) is the best way to follow my projects and also get in contact with me.
I have a website, too, but my Instagram features the latest I’ve been working on.
Super Happy Ghost Co. is the name of my business. I started making jewelry many years ago under that name, and it just stuck. It is the umbrella term for all of my creative endeavors! I like the idea of someone being so damn happy that it transcends to the afterlife. A super happy ghost.
