A Take on Identity with Artist Caroline Wendelin

Born in a small town in Finland in 1994, Caroline Wendelin grew up immersed in the vibrant culture of southern Spain. Her art seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary techniques, creating evocative compositions that explore beauty, identity, and emotion. Drawing from her Scandinavian roots and Mediterranean surroundings, she merges Nordic minimalism with vibrant, warm tones, producing works that are both modern and timeless.

Her mixed media creations often feature enigmatic women set in surreal, abstract settings. The interplay of muted tones with bold gold accents lends her art an ethereal, romantic quality, while her use of layered materials and geometric forms adds depth and balance to her work. Wendelin’s innovative process combines digital tools and photography with traditional methods, resulting in compositions that are fresh yet tactile. Her work invites viewers to connect with its beauty and meaning, establishing her as a unique voice in contemporary art.

ArtSloth had the wonderful opportunity to interview the Artist. The full interview is also available to read in the first volume of the ArtSloth magazine. Click here to read the full issue.

INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST CAROLINE WENDELIN

Identity and self-perception are strong themes in your work. What first drew you to these concepts, and how has your approach to exploring them evolved over time as both an artist and a person?

I was initially drawn to identity through my own experiences as a woman and mother, navigating the balance between strength and tenderness. Over time, my approach has evolved as I’ve gained a deeper understanding of motherhood and the journey of finding one self again. Now I explore identity more abstractly, using color and forms. Soft tones might suggest vulnerability, while stronger, geometric shapes represent resilience.

You’ve lived and exhibited your work in several countries, from Finland to Spain. Do you find that certain places influence your work more than others? Do you notice a shift in how audiences connect with your pieces depending on the location?

Each location brings its own cultural context that influences my work. The natural light in Spain enhances my use of color, while Finland’s serene landscapes inspire a more introspective approach. Audiences connect differently too but I don't feel it depends on the location, rather on each individual and their approach to art. Some resonate more with the emotional meaning, while for others, the aesthetic beauty is the focus.

Through art you embrace your soul

Your use of colour is both subtle and powerful in its impact. How do you go about choosing your colour palette, and what emotions or narratives are you hoping to convey through your choice of colours?

I choose my colour palette intuitively, often starting with soft tones like beige and gold to create a warm foundation. I find that these colours evoke a sense of calm and intimacy. I incorporate soft pink and muted earth tones to add depth and emotion, allowing viewers to connect with the subjects on a personal level.

Your portraits are striking because they balance realism with abstract elements. How do you approach this balance, and what emotions or ideas do you hope to evoke in the viewer through this fusion of styles?

I begin with the realistic portrait, capturing the subject’s in an organic way. Then I introduce geometric shapes—rectangles, circles, lines— trying to find the right composition. I love the interplay between the organic and the geometric because it creates a balance of the imperfect and the perfect. I think it invites viewers to explore the harmony between the human experience and the structured elements.

The use of photography to capture subtle, beautifully arranged shots in your studio adds a unique layer to your work. How has photography influenced the way you present your art? Do you feel that it brings a new perspective to your work or enhances the way people connect with your pieces?

By photographing the process in my studio I want to offer a behind-the-scenes perspective, hopefully deepening the viewers connection to my work. The photos and videos I share invite people to appreciate the context of my art in a more personal way. I put a lot of effort into the aesthetic of what I share on social media because it's where most of my collectors find me first and learn about my work.

Balancing an art career with motherhood can be incredibly demanding. How has becoming a parent influenced your creative process? Do you find that your perspective as both an artist and a mother has shaped the themes or emotions you explore in your art?

Becoming a mother has profoundly influenced my creative process. The demands of motherhood have taught me to embrace spontaneity, even chaos, and find inspiration in everyday moments. I have less time to paint now, but I feel that I've become more productive, I work faster and more focused. I often draw from the emotional complexities of nurturing and the strength required to balance different roles. I think the journey of motherhood has deepened my empathy and understanding, making me explore themes that resonate with a broader audience, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences.

For young artists who are just starting out, finding their own voice can be a challenge. What advice would you give to those trying to develop their own unique style in such a diverse and overwhelming world of art?

It’s important to create consistently and allow your style to evolve naturally. Spend time studying a wide range of influences, but focus on what resonates with you personally. Once you've found the style that makes you feel excited, consider putting effort in showing your work to the world with good photos and videos - we live in a world where you can make it as an artist if you find the right audience on social media.

Read the full Interview as beautifully designed spreads in the first Issue of the ArtSloth Magazine (Vol. 1).

To connect with Artist Caroline Wendelin, visit their website, or follow the artist on Instagram.