Interview with Margareta Sjödin
Editor-in-Chief: Halina Rosa
Margareta Sjödin is a Swedish artist whose life has combined many passions and artistic expressions—from dance to acting, and finally to painting and sculpture. Born on March 15, 1942, in Härnösand, northern Sweden, Margareta developed a fascination with movement and art from an early age. After a successful career in theater, film, and television, she dedicated herself entirely to the visual arts, which led her also to the United States, where she gained international recognition as a painter and sculptor. Her work has been exhibited worldwide, and she has lived and created in both the USA and Sweden.
Margareta Sjödin: From Dance to Art – A Conversation with Halina Rosa
Halina Rosa, Editor-in-Chief: Your artistic journey began in Härnösand. How did your upbringing influence your development as an artist?
Margareta Sjödin: Härnösand and the northern nature were an enormous inspiration for me. As a child, I loved dance and painting. Dance taught me energy and movement, which I later translated into my art, both in painting and sculpture. The northern light and wilderness, the mists, and the changing colors of the landscape, these have always stayed with me. For me, art is a physical act, full of energy and the playfulness of the inner child.
My Books
Halina Rosa: In the 1960s and 70s, you were active as an actress. What was that period like?
Margareta: I started in film and television in 1965. One of my most memorable roles was in the comedy show “Partaj,” where the audience knew me as “the one who says: Har jag gjort bort mig nu igen?” At the same time, I was painting and sculpting—these two paths ran in parallel for many years.
“Play it again Sam “
Halina Rosa: What made you ultimately focus entirely on visual art?
Margareta: After years on stage, I naturally felt the need to turn toward the visual arts. I had my first exhibition in 1972, which opened a completely new chapter. Later, I moved to the USA, where I opened the Swedish Art of Malibu gallery and began exhibiting my work internationally.
Halina Rosa: How would you describe your materials and style?
Margareta: I have worked with many materials and techniques, but now simplicity dominates, and painting in oil and acrylic is my main focus. The tension of an empty canvas still excites me; it is a moment when something spontaneous and alive emerges. When I was younger, I mostly painted watercolors outdoors, even in snow or rain, learning how the colors reacted to the conditions. Those northern landscapes are still with me, though I express them differently today.
My new No Shine paintings, Blue Skye
Halina Rosa: Does your art have a spiritual dimension?
Margareta: Absolutely. Creating has always been an almost spiritual experience for me. The poetic quality of art gives me peace and guides me toward abstraction, which I merged with the Nordic landscape.
Halina Rosa: How did life experiences, such as living in the USA, influence your work?
Margareta: Immensely. The new environment awakened even more curiosity in me, and the vastness of the USA allowed my work in painting, sculpture, and even architecture to become larger and more expressive. I built a home and a gallery there, which became a space for experimentation and creative activity.
Halina Rosa: What advice would you give to younger generations?
Margareta: Ora et Labora—pray and work. Art and life are an ongoing process of learning and action. Very little comes easily. It’s also important to take care of yourself and your health so you can create throughout your life.
Halina Rosa: And your personal life, how does it connect with your art?
Margareta: My adult “children”—three daughters—are creative themselves: one paints, another creates music, and the third runs her own fashion store. I also have grandchildren, and for the past ten years, I have shared my life with my soulmate, Per. Art and life are intertwined, and that is my path.
More about Margareta Sjödin
It was a great honor to speak with the distinguished artist Margareta Sjödin, whose life and work continue to inspire creativity, strength, and authenticity.
On behalf of DESIGNER Magazine, the editorial team, and myself, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this insightful and heartfelt conversation.
With warm regards,
Halina Rosa
Editor-in-Chief, DESIGNER Magazine
2026.02.07 Stockholm
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