In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Estonian artist Edith Karlson, who is the mastermind behind the incredibly detailed and immersive Estonian Pavilion at Venice Art Biennale 2024. Key takeaways from this engaging interview:

• Edith discusses the serendipitous path that led her to study sculpture and the challenges she faced after art school.

• Insights into her techniques and materials, including her preference for unconventional choices and making her own clay.

• The extensive logistics and process behind her monumental Venice Biennale project. Listen to learn many surprising details from behind the scenes.

• The impact of motherhood on her career and the challenges of being a female artist in Estonia.

• Her plans for the future and advice for aspiring sculptors.

This episode offers a detailed look at Edith's creative process, her thoughts on artist life, and her future aspirations. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of contemporary art’s rising stars.

02:05 Introduction and Icebreaker Questions

05:47 Early Influences and Artistic Awakening

07:42 Choosing Art School and Sculpture

11:31 Developing a Unique Sculpting Style

16:28 First Solo Show and Early Career Challenges

31:42 Venice Biennale Project: The Journey Begins

37:41 The Creative Process Behind Estonian Pavilion

39:04 Custom Creations and Logistics

40:22 Community Contributions and Home-Made Clay

43:16 Post-Exhibition Plans and Reflections

52:36 Balancing Art and Parenthood

56:22 Challenges and Hard Lessons as an Artist

59:22 Studio Rituals and Artistic Persistence

01:01:12 Future Projects and Musical Endeavors

01:02:40 Advice for Aspiring Sculptors

01:06:26 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

Edith Karlson is based in Tallinn, Estonia. You can find out more about her work in the Estonian Centre for Cotemporary Art database: https://cca.ee/en/artists-database/edith-karlson and on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edith_karlson/

Karlson is represented by Temnikova & Kasela Gallery: https://temnikova.ee/

She is also in a band called VANA, you can purchase their digital album here: https://sadfun.bandcamp.com/album/vana-viimne-ratsu

Also mentioned in this episode:

Estonian Art Academy: https://www.artun.ee/en/home/ | https://www.instagram.com/eka_estonian_academy_of_arts/ | @EKAEstonianAcademyofArts

Venice Biennale: https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024 | https://www.instagram.com/labiennale/ | @BiennaleChannel

Estonian Pavilion 2024: https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024/estonia

Temikova & Kasela Gallery: https://temnikova.ee/ | https://www.instagram.com/temnikovakaselagallery/

Liste Art Fair: