New on My HeroHero: Behind the Scenes of an Artist’s Life and Work

4 hours ago
2 min read

As some of you may know, I recently started my HeroHero. I decided to use it to share things I don’t usually have enough space for in my regular posts – behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative work and professional life, the stories behind my paintings, the things that inspire me, and what it’s actually like to make a living as an artist.

Over the years, I’ve read countless books about myths, urban legends, dreams, bizarre creatures from folklore, customs and superstitions. These are also frequent sources of inspiration for me, as I love exploring that place where fantasy and reality meet. Every now and then, I share some of the things I discover on Facebook (for example, by picking out some of the strangest European legends for you), at exhibition openings, or simply in conversation.

And I’ve discovered that quite a lot of people are interested in all of this!

You also often ask about the stories and ideas behind my paintings. Some of you – especially students – are curious about the practical side of my work as well, and what it’s really like to make a living as an artist.

So I decided to talk about all of this on my HeroHero. :)

I want to gradually show you more of what goes on behind the scenes of my work and everyday life in the studio, take you through how individual paintings come to life, talk about what inspires me, and also share some of the practical realities of being a professional artist. And of course, there’ll be plenty of room for all sorts of other subjects that fascinate me and often find their way into my work in one form or another.

So, what’s the new video about?

We’re starting in true Klára style – with something a little bizarre. This time, it’s some of the craziest and sometimes funniest modern-day cryptids: mythical creatures that are supposedly still “active” in our century. :)

Of course, we know they’re only legends, but… for a little while, we can lose ourselves in the stories as if we were listening to them around a campfire. At least until the story ends.

You can watch the new video now on my HeroHero.

And here’s a little example of how my fascination with myths, legends and cryptids sometimes finds its way directly into my art. :)

According to Sasquatch (Bigfoot) lore, knocking on trees is one of the ways these cryptids are said to communicate. Deep in the endless forests of Alaska, miles from anywhere, local adventurers sometimes hear the knocking while sitting around a fire in the evening.

And every now and then, a small stone supposedly lands nearby, thrown by the mysterious creature...