Astrid Gillenius was born in Stenugnsund, Sweden, on July 2nd 1982. She began her art studies at The Florence Academy of Art in January 2002. At the end of that year she returned to Sweden and spent the following years studying art history at the University of Gothenburg. At the same time she committed herself to long distance running. In the fall of 2005 Astrid returned to Florence where she completed her studies in drawing and sculpture at the Academy.

Today, Astrid has her own studio in Florence where she works on individual projects as well as on commissions. Her main source of inspiration are people and the unconstrained beauty of everyday life. A background that includes working as a waitress, eldercare and tourist guiding is something that has inspired Astrid and helped her attain the strength and courage needed to pursue her aspirations in the world of art.

During the spring of 2008 Astrid worked as an assistant in Italy and New York for renowned artist Carole Feuerman, who lives and works in New York. Astrid works for artists in Florence and at “Art`ù”, a bronze foundry situated outside of the city.

“My object is to make art that is realistic – without being real!”