Hege Ullensvang
Biography
I was born in 1972 in Bergen, Norway. I call myself an artist now, but it took me years to acknowledge myself as one. I was always doodling something and being interested in “handwork”, but I didn’t really trust myself and my artistic abilities. Maybe because “well-meaning” teachers told me that I would be better off with a traditional academic education … being an artist was somewhat only for the few and talented. I believed them and ended up as a teacher of arts & crafts.
I wasn’t very happy being a teacher and I quit it all together. I decided to focus on my artistic career, and I now have my own little atelier. I always find inspiration in nature, but I’m also fascinated by the industrial world. And sometimes I have visions in my mind that just has to come forth on the canvas. Contrast is an important tool in my works. I’m aware of all kinds of contrasts and how they work together, such as order and chaos. It is fascinating to look at the chaotic and inaccessible, having the desire to make it more available. At the same time, it is always tempting to fracture the known and "restore" chaos. I am fascinated of my own being, constantly changing and moving, along with everything that exists and be. This is something I see appearing in my work, and the titles, that show up after I’ve had a "conversation" with the paintings, confirm that. I love turning “real stuff” into abstract and non-figurative, but my work can also be very much “identifiable”. I’ve played with different graphic techniques over the years, but it’s painting and paper collage I’ve mostly worked with the last few years, and there’s no end to what is on the horizon of being created.
I would like it, if my art evokes some interest in the viewer – that it inspires and invites new ideas. Within my works, there are plenty of stories and messages, but it’s very rare that I have a specific intention when I start. Many times the work’s story doesn't show itself before the piece is finished. And it’s very interesting to recognize what it’s all about. It’s like it has it’s own life. Hopefully the viewer too will get the story… (The titles might help!)…
I will continue, to the best of my ability, to be happy in my moments… Expand the lightness and playfulness in my work and create great art. And, of course, have my art shown to the world!
Artist Statement
My vision, both artistically and in all aspects of life, is to be happy... Happy as in clear, calm and content. Sometimes it’s hard to focus, but I do my best to choose what feels lighter, in my mind and my actions. Asking myself simple questions like... "Does this (whatever I'm thinking or doing) actually feel light and easy?" I believe that lightness and wonder is the magic formula for creating all wonderful things and experiences in life, including my art.
Country Norway
Website https://hegeullensvang.no/
