Talents 2026 - interview with Isabel

Isabel Fernandes Mendoza is one of this year’s participants in Pen Store Talents, a creative challenge where you, using eight selected pens and a predetermined surface, are to create an original piece without any other tools or shortcuts. This year’s contributions will also become part of the world’s longest art exhibition when thousands of works are displayed in the Stockholm Underground.

Hi Isabel! Tell us a bit about yourself and your creative work.

I was born in Bolivia but have lived most of my life in Sweden. From a young age, I’ve enjoyed creating, both for myself and for others, and it’s a passion that has only grown over time. Today, I’ve explored many different forms of expression, but I mainly focus on drawing, painting, and sculpting in various types of clay.

What were your thoughts when you received the mystery pens?

My first thought was that the colours I received were quite varied and somewhat challenging to work with. Some were so intense they were almost on the verge of neon, while others were soft and light, leaning more towards pastels. But after a few tests and mixes, I could see the potential they had together.

Did you have a favourite pen?

I love the Gelly Roll pen in gold! When I started developing a stronger interest in more classical works, I discovered Gustav Klimt and his use of gold. It made a strong impression on me, and the gold made everything stand out more in my eyes. Since then, I’ve found other artists who use it, and it truly gives an ethereal feel.

From Isabel’s process:

1. The first experiments exploring how the pens react with each other and with water, as well as the very first ideas.

2. The first version in the sketchbook that felt right and became the foundation for the final motif.

3. Experiments with the forest’s colour palette.

4. Tests of different colour combinations for the tree trunks.

5. Sketches for lighter and softer trees in the background and darker trees in the foreground.

6. The deer were cut out of paper and used as templates on the original sheet to draw the outlines. Masking fluid was then used to paint the background without difficulty.

7. A process image as the original artwork begins to take shape. First came the forest, then the deer.

8. Sketches to determine the shadows for the deer. It became a diluted combination of pink and dark purple, applied with a brush.

What inspired the motif in your piece?

The colours I developed by mixing and experimenting with the pens gave me the idea for the motif. The green, blue and light pink/purple became a mystical forest with softly sunlit treetops. The golden tones added a more imaginative feel, like a hint that the world is more magical than one might think – with golden fibres in the trees, golden flowers and golden-eyed albino deer.

At first, I planned to create a large stag with magnificent antlers and golden details, but it felt a bit lonely and lacked warmth. After a chat with my mum, I was instead inspired to create a doe with her fawn, which turned out much better.

How does it feel that your work will be displayed in the Stockholm Underground?

I have taken part in Pen Store Talents once before, and at that time I didn’t feel the same pressure to do my best. It was more something I did for fun.

This time it feels different, I really want to show what I can do and reach people with what I’ve created. A bit like dancing on a dance floor instead of at home in the living room.

It feels exciting, scary, fun and nerve-wracking all at once. I’ve never shown my work publicly in this way before. Of course, I hope it won’t be damaged or lost, but above all that it can inspire or move someone.