MUNTHE ART MONDAY: EMELI HÖCKS

Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.

My name is Emeli Höcks, and I am a Swedish multidisciplinary designer with a keen interest in sustainability. I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Design from HDK-Valand in Gothenburg and am also trained in photography, art, and graphic design. Today, I work independently in my design studio in Gothenburg, where I undertake commissioned projects and self-initiated projects, creating my own materials based on my ideas of what sustainability should be.

As a child, I grew up close to nature, right next to a nature reserve and the sea. Early on, I observed my surrounding nature, and with the help of my father, I learned about the natural ecosystems in the forest and by the sea. I also saw how the food scraps from my plate were transformed into new soil through my father’s work with compost in the garden.

My journey to becoming a designer started there – with my fascination for nature and its natural systems. During my design studies at the University of Gothenburg, I realized that I could turn this fascination into my profession.

During my education, I realized that many of the materials offered were not sustainable. I therefore decided to create my own materials in a genuinely sustainable way, based on my own understanding of sustainability. In my design studio, I create my own biodegradable materials. Biocomposites of various kinds, depending on what is available in my vicinity at the time. I always start with what is locally available and what I can use without harming or taking destructively.

Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?

Jenny Norberg inspires me with her holistic and sustainable approach to art and design. She constantly challenges norms and integrates deep philosophical ideas into her work, which strongly resonates with my own beliefs. Petra Lilja is another major source of inspiration. She views the world in a way that values all forms of life and their interactions. Both women give me hope for the future through their awareness and creativity. For me, both of these women provide hope for the future through knowledge, awareness, and creation. That is what I find inspiring!

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?

I grew up in an environment where gender roles did not dictate my opportunities, and this has shaped my approach to challenges.

During my studies at HDK-Valand at the University of Gothenburg, I often worked in areas which have traditionally been dominated by men. I have always seen it as important to take my place and work to achieve my goals without letting gender be a limiting factor. Although there are challenges for women in the creative field, I focus on individual potential and on inspiring other women to do the same.

Emeli is wearing Sumatra pants and Lalalu shirt.

Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?

I have never wanted to see my gender as a barrier in my career. To counteract this, I have focused on approaching methods and practices without preconceptions, driven by my own desire and passion for new knowledge. I have also worked extensively on maintaining my own resilience and sustainability to stay strong in challenging situations. For example, during my design education, I worked predominantly in typically male-dominated workshops. I made a conscious effort not to undervalue myself, something that can happen during the creative process, but I have consistently trained myself not to attribute it to my gender. I believe that we, as women, need to stick together and support each other. I also believe that we thrive best when we take care of one another and give to those around us, even if we don't receive anything in return.

Networking is, in my opinion, an excellent way to bridge gender gaps. It sometimes feels forbidden to think or say this, but I strongly believe in living by the principle that all beings (and all other species on Earth!) are significant and worthy regardless of gender or species.

What would you like people to notice in your artwork?

I want people to notice the underlying philosophy of sustainability and holistic thinking. Many view nature as something to be exploited, but I aim to show how we can live in harmony with the earth. My materials serve as examples of how we can think differently and adopt new perspectives. Nature is perfect and full of lessons for us—we must strive for balance with it to ensure our survival.