Illustrating the unspoken
- Linda's works capture raw human vulnerability
- She often draws with traditional brushes and liquid inks
- She created and illustrated several tarot card decks
After an initial university degree in textiles, Linda Spåman pivoted to illustration, which unexpectedly opened many doors. "I am an illustrator by chance, with an MFA in textile art from HDK-Valand in Gothenburg," she says. This shift inspired Linda's new philosophy: saying yes to everything that comes her way. Linda's path is tied to her name, which in Swedish translates to fortune teller. After art school, she embraced this as an art project to bring magic into her life. "My father was my biggest supporter. He helped finance my first independent illustration project and encouraged me to never take an ordinary job," she explains. Today, in addition to her illustrations and tarot card creation, Linda leads workshops and performs as an artist at events. "I seek to make decks that speak to people and spark deep conversations," Linda explains.
Discover her work
INTERVIEW
I am a very curious person, mostly about the human psyche or psychology. When I am writing about people, I want to know what drives their actions. I like eavesdropping on buses because I listen to unfiltered truths and human stories. In Sweden, people are afraid to talk about death, so I make illustrations about the topic. It allows for conversations about this taboo subject.
I have two distinct styles. In my graphic novels, I explore the 'ugly' or themes with lines. People say my work looks sloppy, but I just work very fast to express rawness over perfection. My esoteric style is different because I dive into symbols and ideas. I have transitioned from monochromatic designs to botanical themes, using mixed media and watercolours.
I made my first deck in 2011 in black and white. My latest deck follows a botanical theme, it is about a person growing to become the best version of themselves. I have completed three decks and am working on my fourth. It makes me want to do more work in esoteric illustration.
I want people to feel that life is a total, beautiful, mysterious adventure that can be told through my craft. For me, creating is a meditation that gives a lot back. I sometimes play a role: I try to look like what people would expect a woman who makes tarot decks to look like. It is like the continuity of my craft.
