People: Thea Sneve Løvstad
Name: Thea Caroline Sneve Løvstad
Occupation / Business / Creative Outlet: Photographer and eco artist
Location: London, United Kingdom
First thing you did this morning? Sipped on my coffee whilst watching the trees outside. Our living room has a huge window facing Hackney Marches and our sofa is facing the window. It's the most calming way to start the day.
What does 'well-being' mean to you? Well-being means doing rituals that feel wholesome for you - for your mind and physical body. These rituals can be highly individual and look very different from person to person. For someone it might be meditation, for others it might be running or even knitting. Anything that makes you feel grounded, inspired and calm is well-being, in my opinion.
Currently reading? The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Currently browsing (.com)? Vestiaire Collective
A resource / piece of writing you'd like to share with us? Everyone should read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It’s such a beautiful, poetic and mind opening book that will change your view on nature and our relationship with it as humans.
An album/mix that calms your nervous system? Silence
An album/mix that hypes you up? I’m currently really into Italo Disco, this playlist is great.
Three items in your wallet / bag? Ede “press pause” mood oil, reusable “spork”, organic lip balm.
Most commonly used apps on your phone? Instagram and Google maps.. I have a terrible sense of direction and use it several times a day to navigate London or when travelling.
Products found in your shower/by your bath? Epsom salt, brushes for dry brushing, a variation of gua sha tools and candles.
Three things that can always be found in your kitchen cupboard? A good organic olive oil, Maldon salt, herbal teas.
Favourite kitchen utensil? My Alessi mokapot designed by David Chipperfield.
Favourite travel destination? Italy, always. It’s the country my partner grew up in, so we go there several times a year. The generous people, the incredible food, the breathtaking landscape and rich culture truly has a special place in my heart. It’s such a varied country which takes years to explore. I have seen a lot of North Italy (where my partner grew up) and in recent years visited more of Southern Italy, Sicily in particular, which I absolutely adore.
Favourite form of movement/exercise? Pilates and swimming in the sea (mostly just floating and drifting to be honest).
Nighttime rituals & practices? Every night after a nourishing dinner, I watch a movie with my partner and drink a calming, herbal tea with candles lit and dim lighting. Then, before bed I do my skincare routine (which has been carefully curated to my skin’s needs by genius Ingrid Raphael) followed by some gua sha. After that I drink a big glass of water and read in bed before dozing off.
One thing you'd like to incorporate into your day/week that you're currently yet to? More mediation and time with complete silence. Sound pollution really affects me and is a bit of an issue in London, hence why I decided to move close to Hackney Marches where I mostly hear birds chirping.
A secret? If you haven’t tried it: a spoonful of pistachio cream. Heaven.
Someone you look up to? Sir David Attenborough and his dedication to the natural world, still at 97 years old.
Something you're proud of? The path I have taken within my work: that I have chosen to work with ethical companies instead of following financial gains and what is usually considered “successful” in this industry. It has not been an easy route, but I do not regret anything. I’m proud of the clients I have worked with and the work we have created together, promoting products and services that are better for the planet and with a fair production.
I feel most creatively fulfilled when… Photographing and observing.
I'm currently working on… Maybe starting a substack with visual diaries, (eco friendly) travel tips etc.
This time last year, I wish I knew… How stepping back and taking a pause can often fuel creativity and give you new perspectives. As a freelancer I often feel the need to constantly be productive and find it hard to wind down and take proper time off. I believe lots of creatives and freelancers can relate to this. It is however so crucial to fill your life with other meaningful activities too and also allow time for rest, in order to create.
I'm grateful for… My wonderful partner, family and friends, nature, good health, that my biggest passion is also my job, the people I get to meet through work, access to good quality food, the privilege of and access to travelling, a safe home.
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