Maker’s Spotlight – Margit Brundin

The Swedish artist Margit Brundin is most known for her human-size ceramic hares. Her fascination with animals began at the age of twelve when sadly, her mother died and a family friend gifted her a horse. In such, animals became figures of great importance…and a way to work through feelings and emotions.

Prior to working as a sculptor, Brundin spent eight years in art school. She says (courtesy of 1st Dibs), “I always ended up in the ceramics studio.” She continued, with regards to clay, it is “a beautiful material- heavy and fragile at the same time.”

Initially, Brundin only exhibited in her native Sweden, her work usually selling out at domestic exhibitions. It was a chance connection to Jill Dienst that enabled the artist to grow an international audience. Working as a dresser at the opera house, Brundin met two dancers that were good friends with Dienst… they told her that she needed to meet the artist and see her work. Upon visiting the studio, Dienst offered Brundin her first U.S. exhibition. She says, “I fell in love with her work- and with her, which is important. She and I both love and are fascinated by animals. Animals were her confidants, playmates and friends. She’s emotionally invested in her work.” It seemed like the perfect collaboration.

What is unique about Brundin is that her sculptures evoke human mannerisms. Conceived from coils of clay, the hares are shown as storytellers. They allow the viewer to project his or her own story upon them. As a result, imaginations blossom and dreams unfold. There is no doubt that animals possess a mystery that surrounds them…probably because their thoughts and emotions are open to interpretation.

The pandemic allowed Brundin to enjoy a year-long parental leave. Luckily, a two-year working scholarship allowed her to “work freely with my art.” Last fall, Brundin moved her studio to a new location: an old wool factory outside Malmö. This countryside space is ideal for introspection and reflection…she has found herself “in a state of sketching and thinking.” Surrounded by her children, the artist has been able to study different aspects of childhood; this has, in turn, allowed Brundin to translate some of these characteristics into her sculptures.

A slow process, each sculpture takes at least a month to build; then, there is a long wait before they can enter the kiln. Best associated with hares, Brundin recently decided to work on some new animals; among which are bears, foxes, and raccoons. In closing, perhaps Brundin says it best, “I’m sketching with lived moments as inspiration, instances when you feel alone in your experience. Like when you are on the swing, catching snowflakes with your tongue or finding a beautiful stone.” Indeed, a beautiful image to behold.

For more inspiration visit Margit Brundin’s website!