Carina Wold

A deeply creative person, Carina Wold is committed to painting alongside her job as an Art Director. Her pieces are mainly abstract, and always contain multitudes of depth and meaning.

Images / Jens Westbye Words / Maria Vole

Carina Wold works as an Art Director in an advertising agency, and works on her art in her spare time. “I get to be creative in my profession, but I don’t get that need covered enough. I’d say I have a creative surplus that needs to come out, so I paint as often as I can when I’m not at work,” Carina says. “Some people might say that you’re not a real artist unless you sacrifice everything for your art, and for a lot of artists, that’s probably true. But I don’t know if I would have something to paint about if I didn’t fill my life with experiences and impulses you get through a professional and family life.”

Though she has experimented with different styles, Carina’s paintings are now mostly abstract. “I like the freedom in abstraction – when you create and visualise something that doesn't exist. Yet, people have the basic need to try to understand, to look for something familiar in the unknown,” she says. She’s interested in the varied interpretations and experiences of art. “I like that people attach their own interpretations to my paintings and create their own experiences of it – it gives the work a longer, richer life. The fact that the paintings are looked at with new eyes is exciting. You can discover something completely new in them in a different way than with figurative paintings. In that way, they’re also more interesting to have on the wall - like a story that never ends,” she says.

For Carina, the title adds important meaning and depth to the art. “Abstract art is often untitled, so as not to lead the viewer – but my paintings aren’t finished until they get a title, otherwise it would be like a child without a name. There is so much identity and history in titles. For me, the title is a big part of the work. With the title, I can emphasise the content, use my voice, confuse or even play with completely new words and expressions that help to enhance the visual experience. I think that's exciting.”

For this creative artist, her artistic expression is important in several ways. “I’m very happy when I get to paint. It's something I’d like to take up more space in my everyday life. It's a cliché, but to me, painting is mindfulness. At the same time, you get to use your voice – express opinions and things that are important to you,” she says. “There are several things that inspire me. My kids – they’re so free when they create, without thinking or planning. They just do, and I like that! I’m also very inspired by Inger Sitter, who was not only a great artist, but also an important female role model. In general, equality and balance are important to me, and these are themes that are often repeated in my art. It’s interesting that the income gap between female and male artists is larger than in society in general in Norway and that 90% of the art in Norwegian art collections is made by men. One of several reasons for the gender imbalance in different industries and society in general often points to a lack of role models – so we women should be louder and braver. More girl power to the world!”

Carina has big ambitions for the future. “Of course, it would be exciting to have my pieces exhibited in a gallery. It would also be very rewarding to decorate a restaurant or a hotel. In those spaces, my paintings will be seen by more than just art enthusiasts – they’ll be part of a richer experience. I like that!”

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