Hi Yasmina! How are you and what are you up to today?
Hello! I’m very good, thank you. I just came home from my daily berry picking round, so now I’m having blueberries and cloudberries for breakfast! I’m currently at an artist residency in Lofoten, so nature is amazing here. The last couple of weeks here I’ve seen some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen in my life. Also the long days are amazing for someone with a bit unconventional working hours like myself.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background; where did you grow up, where are you based now and what do you do for a living?
I grew up in Järna, and I’ve lived in Malmö for the last 8 years. I’ve never felt more at home than I do here. I am an artist! I paint, make illustrations, sculpture and prints. Always looking to expand my craft and learn new techniques so I can be as free as possible in my expression.

When did you know you wanted to do art for a living - is there a special moment when you decided to give it a go?
My one year of folkhögskola quickly extended to four. It was during that time I decided this was way too much fun not to do all the time! I feel like life and art goes hand in hand and it’s a really beautiful experience when you can draw inspiration from one to the other.

I want to add to this that I’ve had to be creative in ways to make money from art. There’s not really any blueprint to follow as an artist.

What’s your favorite thing with living in Malmö?

Everything is within biking distance. I just can’t stress that enough. It creates room for spontaneity. I have access to several common workspaces and my own studio, all within 5 minutes biking distance from me. It’s a dream.

Share your 3 favorite spots in Malmö (could be anything – café, park, museum etc!)

Cowgirl gallery- They have amazing coffee that you can drink surrounded by art!
The parks! Hard to pick one but both Pildammsparken and Slottsparken both have amazing spots.
Then there’s this place called Veya. It has an amazing green floor and is full of carefully sourced items. (Editors note: Yasmina was the co-founder of Veya together with Victoria behind Henry Rude)

You also have a connection to Morocco – tell us more about that, and what inspires you when being there?

I have my fathers side of my family there. I love that Morocco is such a feast for the senses, there’s no way not to get involved.

I love the abundance of fruit and herbs that have ripened under the Moroccan sun. And the traditions of sharing meals, everyone eating from one big plate.

I also love the little stores that are basically ”a hole in the wall” and how they paint their doors in cute color combinations. Then of course all the hand crafted items. I can spend hours looking at carpets, ceramics and jewelry.

What inspires your personal style/fashion choices? Do you have any style icons?

I’m inspired by people who wear and amend their clothes in creative and fun ways. Unexpected combinations and bold colors. Fun materials, surfaces and sustainable choices. My friend Daniela always inspires me with her outfits and how she wears her hair!

What is your favorite piece from the Henry Rude collection and why?

I love my Blue river sun hat.. I think that fabric is so amazing, it’s humor and a piece of art at the same time.

What song are you currently listening to on repeat?

Vau - Things We Never Owned

Do you have any fun projects coming up?

Right now I’m planning an exhibition together with Daniela Doe, it’s called Nesting II and is following up an exhibition that we did earlier this spring. This time we invited artists to create around the theme of Nesting, and how we can change our perception of a space by bringing in emotionally charged and handcrafted items.

I’m super excited, we have so many great participants. The mediums are stretching from several sound pieces to textile art, ceramics and sculpture.

Nesting II will premiere on Malmö Gallery weekend on the 22nd of September 18-22. We will have stickers for you, so make sure to be there on time!