Artist Date at Hornsgatspuckeln

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.
Marcel Proust

As the self-proclaimed blogging ambassador of Stockholm, Sweden, today I’m bringing you on one of my Artist Dates at Hornsgatspuckeln. You know Artist dates, right? It’s a visit to somewhere that inspires you, rejuvenates you, and makes you want to run home to create. I’m not doing one every week, as recommended, but some weeks I do several in a row, and this was an entire day in the art gallery district of the capital of Sweden, Stockholm…

We’re visiting what is fondly but unofficially called Hornsgatspuckeln, the Hump of Hornsgatan, a raised part of that big bustling street. Hornsgatan is in the southern area of Stockholm, between Slussen and Old town, and at this particular area of the street you’ll find several small (some tiny) art galleries in a row. Take a couple of hours if you’re going here – and have coffee breaks in between!

At the galleries of Hornsgatspuckeln you’ll find art of every kind on the walls.

There are handicraft shops too, with paper craft, mind blowing glass blown’ art and ceramics pieces to use and admire, and then photography, prints and a vintage ribbon store to die for. Of course I’m drawn to the bright, colorful and happy, so that’s what I’m snapping with my iPhone as I walk from gallery to gallery. I love collages, mixed media and of course I’m a big fan of all Lisa Rinnevuo’s art.

My photos of her beautiful artwork turned into unintentional selfies:

I think Lisa’s art is so inspiring, and if you agree you can go see more of her on her on Facebook here – or by all means, visit my page here if you’re a fan of mine – or want to be. ;)

The green glass installation (Sålålda), made by another female artist, Anna Lena Kauppi, totally draws me in and fascinates me. Colors, forms and placement. Love it.

I even spotted some textile art that I thought was embroidery, but probably is crocheted (by Anne Carlquist), which always makes me extra happy. As you might know I’m on the board of the Swedish Embroidery Guild among other things, so always on the look for fun, new textile artwork.

I haven’t visit this place, Hornsgatspuckeln, for a long time, but now that I have re-visited I am in love. I am thinking I need to go at least 1-2 times a year, when I’m low on artist dates, and next time I’ll also take notes of artists to research, colors to use and ideas to transform in my own work. I found a lot of inspiration at Hornsgaspuckeln for sure. How about you?

The Artist Date Idea by Julia Cameron

Julia Cameron describes Artist Dates like this:

Artist Dates are assigned play.

The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly
“artistic” — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask yourself, “what sounds fun?” — and then allow yourself to try it.

Mine wasn’t solo, but going with someone who “gets it” is equally good if you ask me. Previous Artist Date was at the Haberdashery, check it out. More to come, as I continue my search for inspiration IRL.

Where do you go to fuel up, fill the well, collect energy outside of your studio?