Interview

Dec 1

Louise Serritzlev Thygesen

Louise Serritzlev Thygesen is an artist in Denmark. She has joined an art school and has done some courses in Randers. Randers is a city in Randers Municipality, Central Denmark Region on the Jutland peninsula. She is a trained pastry chef, educator, and craft teacher.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I have been painting and drawing since I was a child, and all through my adult life. I refer to myself as an autodidact. I have always been able to weave art into my work. I attended art school in Randers, and have completed a few other art courses. I am also educated as a pastry chef, witch is eatable art.”

“Nature is anchored in my art. Always present, even in the wild abstract paintings. Often there are whimsical figurative stories painted into the paintings, and the fairy tale lurks just around the corner.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My paintings are colorful and wild. I try to show the importance of fighting for the things you want in life. Focusing on being happy and joyful, but also acknowledging that there are dark times and some things should be avoided. Let in some adventure and dare to take chances. Life is wonderful and has a lot of opportunities. I want the viewer to always find new motives and stories in my paintings - it can be something different for each person.”

What would you say inspires you most?

“I am deeply inspired by nature. I live in the countryside and I am very much aware of the peacefulness and the beauty. For me, I find this in the reflections, colors, and details. You cannot question nature, as it is always right, and above all, reliable. It does not pretend or have hidden issues - it is rough and sweet. I enjoy the changing seasons in Denmark and always look forward to the next season.
I am also inspired by the world of fantasy films and books. There is a lot of moods and ways to live life. It is important for me to show that there is always a way forward and everyone has a choice to make.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I have been influenced by so many artists, but I am particularly fond of Maja Lisa Engelhardt and Per Kirkeby.”

“As I sit and face nature and breathe the fresh air, I describe my work as wild, colorful and abstract. I have figurative, accurate, ‘cute’, motives painted in all the chaos.”

What is your creative process like?

“My creative process usually starts with listening to a piece of music. I start painting wild and free, only focusing on emotions and colors. With big strokes and very often with loud music. Rammstein is my favourite band. I paint in several layers and as I move forward in the process, I slow down, making decisions of what is staying and what is going. I see what makes landscapes and the practice of perspective, then I decide which figurative theme I want to put in the painting. The last part is very slow and accurate.”