India in my ❤

It’s been a very long while since I made a blog post. It feels that not much happened during the second half of last year. I’ve been in the studio, trying out new things and doing small experiments. Very interesting and rewarding for me but rather boring for everyone else to read about.

Towards the end of last year, I got interested in exploring more everyday situations in my work. Family life is full of moments we enjoy but forget quite fast. We tend to remember the special moments when something important or unusual happens. The mundane is easily forgotten.

Last November I completed a larger work which has paved the way for more of these life-happens paintings. I called it Friday evening and although it’s not a self-portrait it says more about me than any self-portrait I’ve ever painted. The blanket that my children always curl under when watching TV is there. My favorite mug is on the table and of course the books in the background shaped me in my youth.

The next one is on the way… but it had to wait a bit because I took a short detour to …. India!

Last year I was invited to participate in an international symposium/open studio a couple of hours outside of Bangalore, India. In the middle of nowhere (if you can say that for a place in India), among farms and mango trees I spent three unforgettable weeks together with artists from Europe, Australia and Asia “connecting the dots”.

The symposium offered a space where artists could slow down, listen, observe, and respond—not just to the land, but to one another. I formed friendships, acquaintances and collaborations I will bear with me for many years to come. You can read more about the symposium here.

My paintings were left behind to be part of a rolling exhibition. More information in the months to come. You can see some of the works I created here and here. I wanted to become better at painting clothes and drapes and at the same times I was inspired by the Indian textile industry. It sort of seemed natural then to paint a small series of paintings showing people in bedding.

What will the inspiration and experiences from India lead me to? Well, I know I will continue to work in my everyday life series, now with renewed energy. More things are happening in the studio but it’s a bit too early to show the outside world 😊

By this time of the year, I usually plan exhibitions and activities for the new year. This year it has been a bit different. I’m not going to have a solo exhibition. Instead, I’m taking all time I can spare to create a new body of work that will hopefully be shown during 2027. Of course, that doesn’t mean I won’t be participating in any art events. I will be updating this space as things unfold. Until then, wishing you all a creative and happy 2026.