Interview
Robert Selfors
Artist, Graphic designer, communicator, filmmaker, photographer, entrepreneur and brand developer. These are “labels” that can be said about Selfors. He has several years of education in visual communication and aesthetic disciplines in the Oslo region. In three decades, Selfors has worked as a designer for several major companies located in the capitol of Norway.
He has received many awards for his work in: design, entrepreneurship and photography. Years of experiences from the creative sphere are now transferred into drawings, paintings and photographies. In his quest to operate at the cross-mark between figuration- and abstraction, Selfors has managed to create his own “landscape.”
After many years in the South he finally turned back North, using his creative background to explore his childhoods backyard - the Arctic.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“In 2019, I returned home after 35 years in the Capitol. Returning to my childhoods backyard felt absolute right. Several times over years when I came to the Capitol after business-trips abroad it started to twist in my stomach. My inner voice said something important to me - and when we listen, we get answers. The inner-voice never lies. It is about being present in one's own life.
A new door opened up: Buying paint brushes and canvas was the subconscious choice. It just happened - and it was 100% right, and will forever be right! In childhood, drawing (creating), nature experiences, sports, friends and the urge to explore nature were part of my quality of life. It still is. But growing up with dyslexia was an emotional challenge. Reading loud to the rest of the class was the feeling of being ‘incompetent.’ Then it was good to have good friends, empathetic teachers and feel the feeling of mastery in aesthetic areas, like drawing and painting. I was lifted up by the teachers, and it became early clear to me where my strengths were.
I have now lived about 6 years in my ‘childhood paradise.’ This region where nature speaks to you, shapes you and tells stories. Exploring all the treasures that lie ahead of us is a gift.”
What inspires you?
“I grew up in the Arctic - Northern Norway. As an adult, I see that Nature has made a big impact on me - who I am. So, I seek treasures and inspiration in Nature. Most of my artwork is a result of the impact and impressions from Nature. Traveling into a cool and beautiful northern Norwegian landscape can help you grasp the luxurious inner peace that life offers. Calm is not the absence of the arctic storm. Inner peace is rather finding peace in the middle of the storm.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I often embrace the joy of being part of all the beauty and all the creation on Mother Earth. The past years, I have been working on several themes. Two of them with Rigmor Teigen Figenschau, a brilliant artist and mediator. The projects were ‘Walking on Arctic Water’ and ‘Grounded.’ Another project I focus on now is ‘Monuments of our time,’ where the theme is the Climate change. Mother Earth is sick, and the world is changing.
The show-reel video is from the project: ‘Walking on Arctic Water’ that represents a series of artwork about transience, climate change, life cycles, and the complexity of nature. The project has contributed to reflection on our presence, existence, and our relationship with Mother Earth. In February, the ski-jumping hill in Mo I Rana, Norway was transformed into Northern Norway’s largest outdoor ‘canvas’ where Rigmor Teigen Figenschau and Robert Selfors shared their three-year project ‘Walking on Arctic Water.’ The project represent unique artworks created through finding treasures on local frozen rivers.”
How would you describe your work?
“I try to operate in the cross-mark between figuration and abstraction. In my creative work, I like to convey moods, experiences and impressions from nature, and to convey something recognizable from our own lives. Something we can associate with from our own experiences and impressions.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Several. There are so many talented people out there - that manage to express their emotions and feelings trough their artwork. Especially females that’s not seen, acknowledged and discovered for their talent.”
“When we seek for them, Mother Earth share treasures with us, without demanding anything in return.”
What is your creative process like?
“Intuitive I would say, and being ‘true’ to my self. As adults we forget the curiosity from the childhood. Kids ask questions: Why? We have a lot of to learn from it, so I try to preserve my youthful playfulness to become a seeker.
I seek being present - and authentic - both as a human and in my creative process. Art is thinking, feeling and doing. I search for depth and seek freedom in my creative process, to find inner happiness. I have to be consistent by searching for more treasures and stories to tell trough my artwork and what we do with our physical hands can never be replaced. We are irreplaceable.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“If there is no art there is just ‘silence.’ You are or are not an artist. The answer is inside of us, so the inner voice will guide us to the truth. Always! Art reflects the time and life we live in. It’s our mental awareness and medicine for ourselves as an artist and the people.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“There are several upcoming exhibitions- and events: First at Galery Gaudi in Madrid, Spain. Next a solo exhibitions at ‘Stormen Culture Hall,’ Bodø, Norway; Then exhibitions at ‘The National Park Center, Saltdal, and ‘Moment City Hall’ Mo I Rana, Norway, both with Rigmor Teigen Figenschau.”
Website: www.arcticmoods.org
Instagram: @art_by_arcticmoods
Other links: www.facebook.com/robert.selfors
