Four Pillars Artist Residency

ARTIST STATEMENT

As a plein air oil painter, environmentalist, and mother, I draw inspiration from the deep connections between nature, spirituality, and
cultural tradition. Though born in Sweden and raised in New England, trees have always been a constant in my life, transcending national identity. Whether in a city park or a vast forest, I am captivated by how tree branches frame the sky, like veins pulsing through the air. Nature, much like people, is alive and ever-changing, and I study these forms as if watching life unfold.

In every season, I venture into the landscape as a hunter of images, capturing fleeting moments with my brushes instead of arrows. Plein air painting is my ritual, one that nourishes my spirit. I work quickly, with focus and intention, before the shifting weather alters the scene. My mind, body, and spirit are at their most connected when the only roof above me is the sky—be it clouds, an endless expanse of blue, or a night pierced with stars. I believe we are closest to spirituality, to the divine, or to our inner selves, when nothing stands between us and the universe. There is something profoundly nourishing about being outdoors, a connection passed down through generations.

In the studio, I build on my plein air observations, translating them onto larger canvases. These life-sized works invite viewers into the scene, allowing them to feel the presence of wind, water, and earth—to be immersed in the natural elements, even when viewed in a human-made, enclosed space. I aim to transport the viewer beyond their immediate surroundings, drawing them into a world that feels both personal and raw.

My oil paintings are not just representations of trees and landscapes but tributes to their resilience and reminders of the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Through my work, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation of the outdoors and encourage a collective effort to protect these spaces for future generations.