C hildhood summers spent in the stark granite landscape of the Swedish Atlantic coast, as well as more recent visits to the powerful mountains and beaches of Northern California. have developed in me, an overwhelming sense of connectedness to Nature. I wish to express this affinity by rendering my own image directly onto the raw surface of natural material, such as bark, sand or stone, merging the figure with the ground upon which it is painted.“Climber”, a 1986 self portrait, also addresses our vulnerability when engaged in this relationship. Nature’s forces, beyond our control, make our existence a precarious one.
"We don't need institutional gate keepers to tell us what is artistically acceptable ! "
Many of my paintings deal with the intense experience of being at the sea shore. Carefully observing the powerful surf, or interacting with the landscape through my shadow, are two ways by which I attempt to heighten my awareness of this most magical place.
I am greatly influenced by the ancient Swedish rock carvings as well as by the master craftsmanship of the pre- and early renaissance artists. Presently, I am exploring traditional fresco techniques in my painting work.
In recent years, I have been very inspired by the art of Burning Man, the fabulous, annual art and living experiment in the Nevada Desert. The sculpture " Sense of Direction" was displayed there during the 2005 Burning Man festival.
"We don't need institutional gate keepers to tell us what is artistically acceptable ! "