Editorial, Exclusive collaboration
APLACE x Ulrika Nihlén
Ulrika Nihlén has created this year's Christmas wrapping paper at APLACE.
The design is also available as an exclusive fine art print in-store, with all proceeds going to Save the Children. In this interview, Ulrika shares her inspiration, creative process, and Christmas (non-)traditions. Let’s dive in!
Ulrika is a photographer, artist, and mother of three with a background in visual arts and art history. She also runs the children’s clothing brand Facade together with her friend Petra Gardefjord.
Hi Ulrika! You’re the artist behind this year’s APLACE wrapping paper. Can you tell us about the design?
- Hi APLACE! This year’s wrapping paper is based on one of my graphic designs. I’m fascinated by how colors interact with each other when they meet, so I’ve put a lot of thought into how the colors are distributed in this piece. Mixing colors and finding just the right shades to match the images in my head is what I love most about painting.
What inspires you the most in your creativity?
- Buildings and cityscapes, always! I love the colors of facades, the patterns on sidewalks, and the way light falls during the day. Morning light and daylight are especially important to me. But I also draw inspiration from my children’s energy - it’s incredibly contagious.
What does your creative process usually look like?
- I sketch a lot, both abstractly and realistically. The pencil is always with me, and I spend a lot of time mixing colors. Having a clear frame is equally important - there needs to be a beginning and an end to all my paintings. That’s why I always build my own frames.
Are there any techniques you prefer to work with?
- Honestly, I’m open to all kinds of techniques. Pencil, painting – both acrylics and oils on canvas or panel. They’re all tools, just like a camera is a tool for capturing an image.
Tell us about your Christmas, do you have any traditions that stand out or traditions that are particularly important?
- We’re not particularly traditional, except that we always have a Christmas tree that the kids decorate with their own ornaments, and we always make a gingerbread house! Sometimes we celebrate with friends, and this year we’re heading to the mountains. What I love most about Christmas is just having time off together.
Last but not least! What's your favorite Christmas dish?
- Well, I’m vegetarian, so during my childhood, we always had vegetarian lasagna for Christmas, haha. Now my husband is great at cooking, so everything he does turns out delicious! One year, we made an entirely homemade Mexican meal, and this year we’re thinking about Lebanese food - no "köttbullar", "sill" and "julskinka" here!
Don’t miss our exclusive APLACE x Ulrika Nihlén fine art print, printed on Hahnemühle German Etching 310g. The print is available in a limited edition of 25 copies, signed by Ulrika. All proceeds from the sale go to Save the Children.
