A professional artist for over three decades, Elizabeth Romhild needs look no further than her apartment-turned-studio in Sukhumvit for inspiration.
"It was not like that through all the years and I needed to find inspiration elsewhere. Now, I don't have to go outside since I am surrounded by my work of 35 years and an inspiring energy," said the Danish-Armenian artist, who has been based in Bangkok since 1988.
Not only on canvas, her eclectic art has been recreated on tableware and as an audio speaker cover following collaborations with Patra Porcelain and Bang & Olufsen.
Her depiction of a piano in 3D has become part of the La Bohème collection, crafted by jewellery house Maison Artinian.
"It's interesting to see how my art has extended to design, and is accessible through luxury lifestyle products. Through La Bohème fine jewellery, it has become wearable art," said the ebullient Romhild.
The collection actually pays tribute to the classic song by the late Charles Aznavour, about a painter and his artistic life in Montmartre.
The keyboard motif, on the other hand, is inspired by her childhood memories when living in Copenhagen.
"When I was a little girl, I was fascinated by the gracefulness of my mum when she played the piano. That inspired me to translate the sound of a piano into drawings," she recalled.
The designs of the playful gold and diamond pieces highlights her signature piano lines.
The one-of-a-kind ring, for instance, features onyx set in elevated high polish white gold, and a diamond-micropavé hand whimsically evoking fingering on the keyboard.
"Including everyday wear and statement pieces, the La Bohème collection was designed for modern and independent women, who believe that art is not a thing but a way of living." she said. "You can wear the fine jewellery in your own way, such as combining two rings or short with long necklaces, for a stylish mix and match."
The collaboration with Maison Artinian began two years ago. The La Bohème collection is showcased at its art and fine jewellery boutique, located in Author's Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
"The creative process is not finished until you are satisfied and so it took that long to complete the collection," she said.
"Likewise, my paintings can leave my studio only when I'm fully satisfied."
Romhild shared that she has many unfinished works even though people would say that they are already perfect.
"A painting is only finished when it does not 'call' you anymore," she said. "So I keep on painting and painting, adding a bit here and there, until when I look at it and nothing comes back. Each piece of work takes me on a journey that ends when consummately completed."
Finishing a painting is like delivering a baby, she added, and each birth brings joy that keeps her going as an accomplished artist.
Romhild is not the melancholic type though. Her personality is as vivacious as her paintings, which began with realistic portraits, later moving on to seascapes and landscapes, and exploring other themes.
"For a period of time, I tried to paint a darker side but didn't feel happy. I prefer expressing joy and happiness," she said. "It's rewarding to hear people say that my paintings promote positive energy in their home and make them happy."
Her works, particularly those portraying women and sensuality, are imbued with joie de vivre. For instance, the female subject lounges on a sofa, partaking grapes or a glass of champagne. The positive energy is amplified by a palette of bold colours.
"Painting is a journey of emotions. The choice of colour and brush stroke depends on the mood of the moment. So I don't know beforehand whether it will be a yellow, red, blue or other colours," she said.
Her studio is where she escapes from a crazy world, shielding herself from an avalanche of bad news.
"I find it sad to hear about people harming each other," she said. "I try to spread love and good energy through my works. It's just a little impact but little is better than nothing."
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