matti berglund's ladies
i never got to meet my maternal grandmother, but i have always felt that she was looking over me and now she is busy with my children as well. this sense of my own grandma angel has given me peace and a feeling of protection and love my whole life. she has been described as a woman of quiet reserve who bestowed her family and those dear to her with great kindness and generosity. she and my daughter share the same middle name as i wanted to further this connection between the generations of women in my family.
a few weeks ago i attended the femmes + fleurs art pop up hosted by art consultant and editor, kate meyers at the gorgeous floral and home shop, bloom by anuschka, in denver. (this shop is breathtaking by the way… the kind of place that makes my heart pound and swell with excitement about all the lovely, inspiring finds ranging from floral bouquets to table top pieces to textiles and ornamental furniture and artwork.) there i was introduced to the work of denver artist, matti berglund.
matti berglund grew up in oslo, norway where both scandinavian folklore and the catholic influence and imagery of the madonna and child were a centerpiece of her childhood. her parents operated a clothing store and her mother’s intricate, hand-made dresses were often hanging in their home. matti fantasized about the adventures the garments would have with the women who embodied them. these influences, along with the elizabethan art she so enjoyed studying while obtaining her BA in fine arts from the university of denver, inform the female portraits for which matti is now known. matti’s ladies are as regal as queens, their long necks frequently encircled by extravagant collars of filmy filigree or flowers that emphasize their impeccable posture. their detailed costumes are layered with lace and embellished with fanciful stitch work, reminiscent of the dresses matti’s mother used to create. each lady is also surrounded by ornaments and symbols of her unique power and creativity, but the unifying force of all the portraits is the sense of healing, love and protection they offer.
(matti painting in her studio)
(matti with some of her ladies)
while studying the collection of matti’s work at bloom, i was particularly drawn to one portrait that presented as my grandmother to me. for days after the show i kept thinking about that lady and ultimately returned to bloom so i could bring her home. when i reached out to matti she generously offered to talk to me further about my painting and so last saturday my daughter and i went to visit her, portrait in tow. we were completely enchanted by matti’s home and studio. one wall was a layered collage of vintage wall paper displaying treasures matti has collected in her many travels around the world. there were mexican madonnas and antique portraits and a metal bird sculpture found in paris… a beautiful, eclectic assemblage of the images and figures that inspire matti.
our lady, we learned over steaming cups of blueberry tea, is a celebration of love. she is adorned with birds (her messengers that were modeled after the french birds matti found in paris) and a multitude of flowers. whatever she touches is graced with love and protection… that’s why she has extra hands. she has a crown of feathers in homage and gratitude to the animals and a big, loving sacred heart. she is on a turquoise background (matti’s favorite color and birthstone - MY birthstone as well!) and she is called “valentine,” my very favorite day.
follow matti on instagram: matti.made
or see her work live at bloom by anuschka