Cecilia Hedlund Student story

"Being on the ODDY has really made me realise how much I enjoy drawing and how useful it is in my practice." Cecilia Hedlund shares her story.

Cecilia Hedlund
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Cecilia Hedlund Côte d'Azur, watercolour on paper
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Makeshift studio while travelling in France
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Cecilia Hedlund Côte d'Azur, watercolour on paper

Where are you based?

I am based in Stockholm, in Sweden.

Before joining the Online Drawing Development Year, what were you doing? 

I am a multidisciplinary artist working in many different techniques like sculpture, painting, drawing, performance, and audio. 

What appealed to you about the course?

To have a year focused on drawing, and exploring different ways to set up a daily drawing routine. What also appealed to me was to meet and exchange ideas with others. 

Can you tell us a little bit about your practice and relationship to making work? And how has this changed since joining the Online Drawing Development Year? 

My work is often research and process-led which most of the time means that I start without knowing where I am going. I very much enjoy being in that uncertain place where everything seems to be possible and the road ahead is unclear. Should I have known from the start where my work was leading, the whole process somewhat dies.

I believe that by allowing myself to be challenged and take risks in my work, I develop more as an artist and as a person too. Being on the course made me realise how much I enjoy drawing and how useful it is in my practice. For me, it all started with drawing. I drew all the time as a child. The space I go into, where my imagination and memory take hold, is a wonderful space to be in. 

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Cecilia Hedlund Untitled, oil on linen
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Cecilia Hedlund Untitled, oil on linen
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Working from observation in the south of Sweden
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Stockholm atelier
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Cecilia Hedlund Observations from the Côte d'Azur, watercolour on paper

What courses have you most enjoyed or learnt most from? 

I have very much enjoyed a mix of courses in drawing from observation such as Drawing a Head with courses where I can make use of my imagination, like Transforming Observation: Drawing Memory and Imagination and Drawing: Mapping Internal Landscape. I find that a mix of observation with memory and imagination works well for my practice. 

What have the benefits of learning online been for you? 

I have children and health challenges. For me, online learning has meant I can take part in this wonderful programme from my own studio and I can choose courses according to my schedule.

Is there anything that surprised you about the course? 

It has been wonderful to meet so many people and exchange experiences. I think all the tutors of the course I have taken have been really great, offering their different viewpoints and with thought-provoking exercises.

Are there any particular ways that the School has been able to support you over your time on the Online Drawing Development Year? 

I have felt very supported by the tutors, staff, and fellow students. For me, I thought of the ODDY as a time to develop and reunite with my drawing practice – it has very much met my expectations.

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Cecilia Hedlund Untitled, pencil on paper
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Cecilia Hedlund Untitled, pencil on paper
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Cecilia Hedlund Untitled, pencil on paper with eraser smudges

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying to the Online Drawing Development Year? 

Just go for it. And begin with an open mind. Let yourself be immersed in all the new experiences and see where it leads you.

Do you have plans after you have completed the course that you would like to share? 

As I have been working with my art practice for many years my plan is to continue with this. I would like some time after the course to dig deeper into my work and see what I have gained from the programme.

I am going on a residency in Paris at the end of this year to focus on my work for a set period of time. After that, I have some exhibitions planned. I also hope to travel to London to meet my fellow students in person.