Title of work: Where you go I follow #5 (2022)
Technique: Acrylics and charcoal on raw canvas
Format: 150 x 200 cm

Artist statement:

In many ways my work-process resembles that of developing a photograph in the dark-room.
I start with a drawing in charcoal, solidifying my chosen motif, picked from one of my many folders of pictures taken during travels, hikes, walks and vacations. It doesn’t matter what context the photograph was taken; it being a cheap-drinks-and-sunbathing trip to the Canary Islands, or a more exotic hiking trip in rural parts of Japan, a road-trip through the deep south in the States or a stroll in my neighborhood. I want to create a new story-line for my works, letting them talk amongst themselves, leaving it up to the viewer to pick up on whatever conversation is going on.

After I’ve worked on the canvas with coal, I start painting. Thin layers of acrylic paint. Gradually bringing forth areas I want to highlight, making some almost disappear. Sometimes I bring out the charcoal again, darkening or re-drawing parts of the work. My paintings can be seen as hybrids, where drawing and painting melts together.

I live and work in Bergen, Norway, where I graduated with a Master in Fine arts, from Bergen National Academy of the Arts, in 2011.

lindasohtrengereid.com