Originally from Stockholm, Jonas Claesson mixes strong references from his new home in Australia with his Scandinavian roots. Claesson went to art school in Stockholm where he studied all mediums but was constantly drawn to illustration. He continued his studies in Australia and began working as an illustrator for Billabong before branching out on his own.
Claesson draws things he is passionate about and things he would like to do and experience. He fell in love with the sea at an early age and this is most obvious in his art. In his colourful drawings, moose, polar bears, reindeers, seals and surfers cohabitate in a wonderful world. His traditional hand drawn illustrations are sometimes digitally coloured, resulting in a bold and expressive style. With this essence of vibrancy, the artist’s freewheeling and unconventional take on everyday milieu has become his distinctive trademark.
He has exhibited worldwide, including galleries in Japan and Hawaii along with his native Stockholm and Australia. He has worked with clients including Patagonia, Reef, H&M, Finisterre, C-Skins and many other surf brands.
