Interview with Theodora Waldahl Dea
Theodora Dea is an Oslo based artist, who studied visual art at NISS- Nordic Institute of Stage and Studio in the early 2000’s. Back then she made more figurative paintings on canvases. After years with a brush she moved on to liquid arts such as poring, and from there she discovered epoxy resin which is the medium used today.
She uses a mixed media technique of alcohol ink and resin to create organic and geometric shapes, adding gold and shimmer to elevate the 3D effects of the different layers of media, and to make the art playful to light.
Theodora loves nature, everything from the mountains to the ocean and all the way to the far galaxy, from micro to macro. This is where she draws inspiration as well as within. It’s important to Theodora to constantly developing both herself and her art.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
Waterproof, wild and constantly evolving.
How do you go about beginning a new piece? Do you have an idea already in mind, or do you start working with materials or sketches to find the departure point?
Everything begins in my mind. First I imagine the finished look, then I trace my steps backwards trying to figure out how I’m actually going to do it. What techniques to use, what materials, and if it’s even possible. After this I start the process of getting everything I need.
When I have the idea, the right state of mind for that specific piece and everything I think I need to make it a reality, I go to work.
But like Picasso said.. «I begin with an idea, and then it becomes something else».
And that something else is beautiful and real.
When do you think your most prolific time of day or week is?
Most definitely when the world around me is slowing down for the day. When it’s more quiet and day turns to night. It dosen’t matter to me where we are in the week. If it wasn’t for my daughters
school I wouldn’t even know what day it is.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you? What’s work process like?
There are many different stages from start to finish when making art with the technique I use. All of the stages involve a gas mask and music, some involve fire, heat gun and other power tools, others math. It’s hard work, a lot of waiting for things to dry and harden, there are also many things that can go wrong, but I absolutely love it. Even tho there’s a lot of pressure and it drives me mad sometimes.
What is a barrier you as an artist overcame? Is there anything that enabled you to develop your work as an artist in your life?
The short answer, there were and are many barriers. Most of them had to do with life and existence it self, but I think that is the root of creation and creativity.
I didn’t really start promoting my art until autumn 2020. This is when I started my company Theodora Arts. I still laugh when I think about that after all these years I felt it was time to start my company and career in the midst of a pandemic.
What is the meaning or creative inspiration for your work? We’re curious what the narrative or story is to what you are producing?
I believe everything and nothing has meaning, it’s a choice. To me all art has meaning.
You pour your energy and vibration at that exact moment in your life into creating something, with everything going on in the world around you.
It’s like a “photograph” you capture of that exact state of being at a specific time. It’s a result of the collective mixed with your individual experience.
We’re all creators and receivers of vibration.
Besides your artwork, are there any other things in life that your voice as an artist may consider vital or valuable? What makes you joyful and creative, in other words?
For sure all the wonderful experiences as human beings. The emotions, to touch and connect to an other person, the feeling of being in nature, especially in water. I seldom feel more privileged than after being in the ocean to then come home to a warm shower and going to bed under the duvet naked in newly washed covers. Feelings and experiences like this triggers my creativity and joy. One could say I strive to feel joy, because joy leads to inner peace, and that’s a place for inspiration.
Are there any exhibitions or places where people can see these beautiful creations in person soon? Anything on the horizon?
There will actually be three exhibitions in 2022. Starting in Monaco 24-26th of June showcasing 2-3 pieces at the Monaco International Contemporary Art Fair. Then in September you can see my work in Paris at the Focus Art Festival at Carrousel du Louvre. The last exhibition will be in Oslo at the end of the year.
Website: www.theodora-arts.no
