When Emilia Ilke colors Levi
On October 1, Swedese launches the Levi wall shelf. Minimalist and confident in its design, the shelves rest on arched wooden brackets. Levi is available in ash and oak, as well as in Ilke Blue—a vibrant stain developed by artist Emilia Ilke in collaboration with Swedese.
Emilia Ilke’s studio, located in Becker’s former paint factory in Liljeholmen, Stockholm, is a universe of its own. The worn industrial walls are adorned with paintings of goldfish and urns. Wearing slippers, Emilia moves across the paint-splattered floor as she fills her new Levi shelf, stained in a light blue hue that lets the natural wood grain shine through.
“The idea for this blue came to me right away when Swedese asked if I wanted to create a color for the new shelf. To me, it feels very 1990s - in the best way. Looking back, our kitchen was blue when I was growing up, almost exactly this shade. I suppose I simply chose the blue of my childhood, straight from the heart,” says Emilia Ilke.
"It really is the ultimate color"
Color and color combinations are a central part of Emilia’s artistry, and a constant source of inspiration for new works.
“This blue represents my art very well. I don’t think there’s anything that doesn’t go with blue. Deep burgundy is a favorite pairing. Pink, lime green, and buttery yellow also complement blue beautifully. It really is the ultimate color.”
From the open window, a breeze catches a paper guitar that Emilia has placed on the wall, waiting for the right painting to attach it to.
Much like collages, Emilia often attaches small paper cutouts to her paintings. Just as beautiful color combinations, goldfish, dogs, instruments, and urns are recurring elements in her art. On the shelf, you’ll find art books, little wooden figures discovered at flea markets, her own paintings, and a collection of wooden sculptures.
“Art books and beloved children’s books are a great foundation for any shelf, but I’m a collector and love to mix in flea market treasures, trinkets, some art, and some sculpture. Everything but LEGO belongs in my shelf,” Emilia laughs.
The wooden sculptures were created in collaboration between Swedese and Emilia, based on her sketches. They take the shape of urns, shells, and trees, painted in deep burgundy, blue, and beige.
“I began exploring urns, vases, and pots about ten years ago, and since then they’ve been a recurring theme on my canvases. Now I’ve had the chance to let them step out of the paintings,” Emilia says.
Growing up in the blue kitchen wasn’t really about art. Emilia’s family was a music family, and when it came time to choose a high school path, it was important to get “a proper education.” After all, you couldn’t make a living as an artist. It wasn’t until after graduation that Emilia began studying art, and for the past ten years she has made her living as an artist.
“I knew no one was going to knock on the door of my childhood bedroom and ‘discover’ me. I had to test my way forward and find ways to reach out. In some ways, I still feel just as lost,” Emilia laughs.
Levi is available with one, three, or five shelves and in two widths, 90 and 180 cm. It comes in oak, ash, and in Ilke Blue.
