Scan Magazine | Artist of the Month | Norway
5th symphony from the Nine Symphonies Homage to Beethoven.
Artist of the Month, Norway
Abstract interpretations “What you see in a painting is your own personal interpretation of it,” claims Norwegian artist Kjell Folkvord, who uses art to express emotions and life events. His inspiration sources vary from Beethoven to astronomy, and the complexity of his paintings is often reflected in the bold use of colours, a final result that sometimes surprises even the artist himself. By Marte Eide | Photos: Kjell Folkvord
Folkvord describes himself as a ‘young artist and a not so young person’, because his lifelong dream of being an artist finally became reality 15 years ago. Becoming a father at a young age meant that an unsure artistic path with unstable finances was not an option for him back then. Instead, he worked in education, first as a teacher and later on as headmaster, before taking an early retirement. “I seized 122 | Issue 117 | October 2018
the opportunity and started painting fulltime. It was a dream come true. I have a lot to express and communicate to others, and I believe art is the best way for me to do that,” he says.
Creative painting process The artist has called London his home for the past eight years and thrives on being a part of the creative hub Wimbledon Art
Studios, alongside over 200 other artists. “We have open studio days twice a year, which is always exciting. London has an incredible number of artists and I enjoy being a part of it,” Folkvord says. The 34th Open Studios Art Show will take place from 15 to 18 November, offering visitors a unique art fair to enjoy, as well as the option to purchase art from the artists in their work space. “I would also love to have a solo exhibition in Norway one day,” says Folkvord. An abstract expressionist, Folkvord chooses to express himself and his feelings through using water-based acrylic paint. “I love the artistic freedom and the variety it offers. My painting process often