THE CREATIVE CORNER: EVELINA KROON
Pelikan Restaurant, Stockholm, Sweden.
“What I try to convey with my work depends on the project, but generally, I want people to feel something that feels familiar: a sense of closeness, even if they don't quite know why.”
– Evelina Kroon, artist
In this new edition of The Creative Corner, we chat with Evelina Kroon, the Swedish artist behind our latest collaboration: Evelina Kroon x Jimmy Lion. Evelina opens up about her process (and yes, she also discusses her signature use of color!). She invites us into her world to talk about art, inspiration, and her favorite spots in Stockholm.
Looking back... How did your artistic journey begin? And what projects are you most focused on or excited about right now?
I've studied art since I was a child; my parents encouraged me from a very young age, and I followed that path. It hasn't been a straight road, but it's the discipline I trained in and probably what I do best. Since then, it's been a blend of coincidences, hard work, and a bit of luck that has allowed me to keep doing this.
This fall, several collaborations I've been working on are launching. There's one in particular (involving socks) that I'm thrilled about! Plus, I have an exhibition planned for the end of the year that feels like a step forward… or perhaps the beginning of a new chapter. Either way, I'm very excited.
Lilla Espressobar, Stockholm, Sweden.
How do you express your creativity through color? How has your way of working with it evolved over time? What feelings or stories would you like to convey with your designs?
My creativity is expressed primarily through color: I test combinations, contrasts, and subtle nuances that can completely change the feeling of a piece. For me, creativity is in the details: deciding what to highlight, what to leave out, and how to balance perfection with imperfection — that slight imbalance in color or scale that brings something to life.
What I try to convey with my work depends on the project, but generally, I want people to feel something that feels familiar: a sense of closeness, even if they don't quite know why.
Pelikan Restaurant and the artist's home, Stockholm, Sweden.
What does turning your artwork into wearable pieces mean to you? Would you say it changes your relationship with art?
Transforming my work into something wearable is a different process: it's about making sure the piece stays alive beyond the canvas. I like designs to be experienced throughout the day, not just looked at. That challenges me to rethink materials and methods, always searching for the meeting point between art and functionality.
You live in Stockholm: how does the city — its light, rhythm, and atmosphere — influence your palette and creative process?
Stockholm filters into my work quietly. The crisp, cool light, along with muted and understated tones, often ends up in my palettes. I work with materials within reach, like masking tape, because it lets me build layers, transparencies, and depth.
The city's structure and subtle shifts inspire me to find a balance between order and spontaneity, especially when working with grids and patterns.
Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Fredsgatan), Stockholm, Sweden.
Which design from the Evelina Kroon x Jimmy Lion collection would you say best reflects your style, and why?
The Evelina Kroon Blue Pattern design brings together the colors I use most: blue, burgundy, and off-white. It's a combination that perhaps best defines my aesthetic. But in the end, everything makes sense together: it's when the pieces are seen as a whole that they truly shine.
Pelikan Restaurant, Stockholm, Sweden.
Let's talk about your Stockholm. What are your go-to places to…?
- have a coffee
I prefer doing it at home, that's my breakfast, but there's a strong fika culture around here. Sometimes I start at Café on Hornsgatan and then head to Lilla Espressobar, which is also on Hornsgatan. Very convenient.
- get inspired and have a delicious meal
Pelikan (Blekingegatan). It's been there forever: traditional food, reasonable prices, and a lively atmosphere under high ceilings.
- enjoy art and culture
There are wonderful museums in Stockholm. Sadly, the government decided to eliminate free admission for many of them. On weekends, I like visiting galleries (which are still free) with the kids, and during the week I go with friends. In fact, two photos from this shoot are from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts on Fredsgatan.
- unwind after a creative day
My sofa, my bed, watching TV, spending some time scrolling on my phone, or enjoying the pleasure of a good book. At home. I'm a real homebody.
Pelikan Restaurant, Stockholm, Sweden.
And to wrap up, if you had to describe Jimmy Lion in three words, what would they be?
Jimmy Lion in (almost) three words: a party for your feet!
Thanks socks much for reading!
