Interview
Heidi Glattre
Having created art for over 20 years and exhibited widely, Heidi still seeks to continue to grow and evolve as an artist. As she continues to immerse herself and develop herself in everything she can, she constantly expands her knowledge and skills further.
What is your background and what brought you into the art world?
“After some years of teaching, it became apparent to me that I needed to do something else after graduating with a BA in Literature, History of Ideas, and Anthropology. First, I studied classical studies in Russian Orthodox iconography, but then I transitioned to studying Modern Art. Over the years, I studied with a variety of teachers as well as took lots of private lessons.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Texts are my main focus when it comes to art as a whole. Through my art, I interpret texts in a visual way, and my goal is to make the art I create a way of reading differently from traditional reading. The white piece pictured above is my interpretation of The Hunger Angel written by Herta Muller.
Literature and art inspire me and I find ideas in both of them, so I draw on what both have to offer. Rather than dealing with social or political issues, I focus more on philosophical and existential dimensions in my work.”
What process, materials, and techniques do you use in creating your artwork?
“I mostly draw inspiration from novels, poetry and other readings, which is why I always use texts in the paper works. By using old as well as new texts, I am able to create art in which text transforms into visual art. The Cosmologies pictured above (the three framed photos) are made of text from the Koran, The Bible and The Torah as examples on how to visualize religious texts.
Unlike the paper works, when creating the foldings I use a different technique. I draw on washed canvas using charcoal and pastel chalk, where the pigments left after the rough treatment actually lead the way. I find lines in the folds, which show me where to enter into the “land of the unknown". It is a creative process in which I can create something new.”
“I call this piece the “Fleur du Mal” after the famous french poet Charles Baudelaire. It’s made using pages from a book of criminal cases and murder histories.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“I am fond of all types of artwork, such as classical traditional art, contemporary art, and conceptual art, as well as pop art. It can simply be said that I have no preference for one kind of artwork over another. There are many artists that I appreciate, but some among my favourites are the anonymous icon artists, Joseph Buyes, Rembrandt, Louise Bourgeois and Anselm Kiefer. These examples are chosen for the fact that I draw inspiration from a variety of different artists in my work.
My current focus is conceptual art and modern art and, as a result, I'm following these trends in the art world.” ”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I plan my tasks in advance so that the work will be done on time. My first step in the making process is to take a lot of time to think it through first.”
“There is a kind of complexity and understanding behind my works. In my opinion, art is not just an expression of beauty but also a philosophy- a way of thinking and understanding, a way of being. It is as important as literature, dance and music. We need art to live.”
Notable exhibition experiences
“My exhibitions in Stockholm and Oslo were very memorable experiences, and I enjoyed them both very much.”
Website: www.hglattre.wixsite.com
Instagram: @hglattrekunst
