Q & A + Giveaway: Studio Eriksdotter

What better way to celebrate spring than with pretty paintings of flowers that are yet to bloom in these parts and who better to go to than the talented and lovely artist, Erica Eriksdotter, for inspiration.  We met Erica last year through blogging (it seems that we meet the most interesting people by just sitting at our desks and surfing the web!) and immediately connected with her bright sense of color and unexpected floral close-ups.

Born and raised in Sweden, Erica sold her first painting at the age of 10 and has continued to make people and homes happy with her art ever since.  She now lives and paints just outside Washington D.C. and sells her work through her Etsy store and at art festivals nationwide.

Erica’s latest work has her creating beautiful keepsake paintings of bridal bouquets.  While most of her commissions come from customers in the States, Erica also tried her hand painting Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden’s wedding bouquet having watched the entire 12 hour event last year – isn’t it gorgeous?

We knew that with spring on our doorstep (actually, it’s in the house!), we wanted to celebrate the season with Erica’s Q & A and giveaway…  So pull up a chair and enjoy!

1.  What did you want to be when you were a child?
A painter, singer and a businesswoman.  I’m happy to say that at age 30, I’m a full-time painter and a business woman with my own company, Studio Eriksdotter.  Though I spent many years singing any chance I could, I much rather sing along in my studio while painting.

2.  What is your necessary luxury?
My very own studio in our house where I can be messy when I want to and find the stillness I need to be creative.

3.  What is your favorite decorating accessory?
Orchids and candles.  They always bring loveliness to any room in the house.

4.  Where do you window shop?
Online at various stores (Neiman Marcus, Saks, Anthropology) and on blogs and online magazines (LiveLikeYou, The Zhush, Everything Fabulous, thisisglamorous, Lonny, RUE and High Gloss.)

5.  What makes a house a home?
Love and family.  I do my best painting when I know my husband is home and the cats are enjoying the sun in the window.

6.  What is the most enjoyable part of your day?
Adding details to a painting while enjoying a nice cup of tea and hearing the birds sing through the open window.  Spring is coming!

7.  What is your favorite flower?
Since I paint flowers, it’s difficult for me to pick a certain one.  I love painting calla lilies, daisies and tulips.  My favorites to have in the house are roses, orchids and tulips.

8.  If you were a cocktail, what would you be?
I’d have to be something bold, blond and powerful – a Lemon Drop!

9.  If your life were made into a movie, what would be the title and who would play your part?
“22 Journals – the story of the woman who did it all” and I guess the woman who would have to play me is the woman people say I remind them of, Kate Hudson.

10.  Name one thing on your “Bucket List”
Travel the world.

Not only is Erica generous with her time but also with her stationery as she’s giving away her sunny “Sunflower Rising” cards – a box of five folded cards on linen paper with envelopes – to a very lucky reader.

All you have to do is leave a comment below or if you’re shy (and we know some of you are!), send us an email at TheBuzz.Giveaway@gmail.com.  We’ll be announcing the winner on Sunday, March 27th so enter by midnight Saturday, March 28th, 2010!

A big thank you to Erica for this colorful welcome to spring!  For more information, visit her website, Studio Eriksdotter, and read her blog.

Photos via Studio Eriksdotter