Folk Object

I found this blog, which displays pictures of folk objects from around the world, its an ongoing collectopn of graphic objects derived from the ornament and  utility of folk culture. Its curated by Clifton Burt.

Lena Sjoberg

Lena Sjoberg is an illustrator and writer of children's' books who lives in the country in Sweden. Click here for her blog.

Elisabeth Dunker

Another blog Rosie suggested I look at was Fine Little Day by Elisabeth Dunker, who is an artist, particularly interested in hand crafted, folk art, outsider art and kid's art, click here for the link.  She has lots of links on her website. A recurring theme is the Scandinavian peoples have an appreciation for the outdoors that the British may not, this is reflected in the imagery used and the free flowing mark making

Screen printed pillow case

Screen printed ABC poster,

First Aid Kit

Another band I found that fits the style of the Scandinavian folksy imagery, they are a Swedish folk duo composed of sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg, whose close vocal harmonies and woodsy, folk-influenced songwriting take influence from the likes of Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom. From a southern suburb of Stockholm, the teenaged siblings began composing songs in 2007. Their names spread rapidly over the internet after their cover in 2008 of 'Tiger Mountain Peasant Song' by the Fleet Foxes.

 The sisters photographed together

Video of The Lion's Roar

Poster

Beach House

From The End of the Road Festival, I found a few bands i really likes, that fit in with the style and image of the 'Happy Scandinavian'.
One of these bands, was Beach House, a baltimore duo has often labeled a 'dream pop' due to their show, atmospheric rhythms and haunting lyrics. Singer Victoria Legrand's vocals have often been compared to those of Nico.

 The duo photographed together

 Photography from second album

Imagery from the second album

Band performing 'take care'

Contemporary Scandinavian Styles

http://www.fermlivingshop.com/collections/wallpaper/products/gracewood-wallpaper
Gracewood Wallpaper

http://knifeandsaw.wordpress.com/
Innovative and clever design

Scandanavian Influences on Modern Trends

British fashion has cemented fair isle knitwear as a traditional staple, after it was widely popularised by King Edward VIII in the 1920s. Since then fair isle techniques have evolved and broadened to include wider patterns that were heavily influenced by Norwegian and Scandinavian patterns (snowflakes etc), there have also been huge developements with the colours of yarns which means that the pattern has been able to change with the trends and times.
Scandinavian style has leaked into all aspects of modern life, such as furniture design and graphic illustration.

Scandinavian Influences on Modern Graphics

(From anticlockwise)
Helen Dardik - Bird Paradise - Personal, 2008
Marcus Walters - Summer, Autumn - Personal, 2005
La Boca - Nightmares on Wax - Record sleeve, 2008

 (From anticlockwise)
Dan Stiles - Feist - Poster; 2007/8
Dan Stiles - Jack Johnson - Poster; 2007/8
Dan Stiles - Zero 7 - Poster; 2007/8
Dan Stiles - Ted Leo - Poster; 2007/8
Nod Young - The Puti Trees - Personal; 2006
Dan Stiles - Hot Chip - Poster; 2007/8
Dan Stiles - Scissor Sisters - Poster; 2007/8

(From anticlockwise)
Methane - Jay Fisher - Poster; 2004
Obama's new deal: Lets Innovate - editorial, 2009
Silent Giant - Ra Ra Riot - Single and Album cover, 2008/9

Larson's Residence, 1890s, Sweden

(From anticlockwise)
Frieze painted by Larsson's daughter in much the same style as the father's.
Larsson's bedroom lacks original features but the floral decoration was more important than any strict historical accuracy.
Illustration by Karl Larsson. Influences from France and the English Arts and Crafts movement. This extraordinary mixture of styles in the dining room of Sunborn is held together by Larsson's idiosyncratic interpretation of each.

Scandinavian Design from the 50s

(From anticlockwise)

Danish Lounge chair circa 1950s. Tweed type upholstery, walnut wooden legs. Elegant architectural form, organic colour scheme.
Gustavian Classicism framed panel but painting itself is a  mixture of Dutch 17th century motifs and French 19th century romanticism.
The pattern was inspired by a growing trend in Scandinavian design, triggered by a touring exhibition 'Design in Scandinavia', it was launched in 1954 and was tremendously successful. Influencing some of the most popular modern styles of decorating.
Unique border concept from United Wallpaper c. 1955