Project Overview: Residency at Hrisey Old School Art House, November 2023

For the month of November 2023, I had the privilege of embarking on a captivating residency at the Hrisey Old School Art House on the enchanting island of Hrisey, Iceland. As a writer and watercolor artist, my mission was to immerse myself in the island's rich tapestry of nature, history, folklore, and its warm local community, all with the goal of creating a compelling tale for my ongoing book series, "Nordic Tales."

Research and writing process: I dedicated significant time to research, delving into the intricate layers of Hrisey's history, unraveling its folklore, and engaging with the locals to grasp the heartbeat of the community. This immersion was instrumental in shaping the narrative, ensuring an authentic depiction of Hrisey's essence. The island's captivating landscapes, with its rugged shores and expansive vistas, provided the perfect backdrop for inspiration.

Watercolor painting exploration: In tandem with my writing endeavors, I embarked on a visual journey, creating 35 watercolor paintings inspired by the unique motifs found on Hrisey. Each stroke of the brush aimed to capture the island's natural beauty, intertwining with the narratives I was unraveling.

Exhibition and community engagement: The culmination of my residency was the exhibition held on November 26th, 2023. The local community displayed tremendous enthusiasm with the paintings, with many residents expressing a deep connection to the paintings featuring familiar landscapes and scenes from their island. Community engagement was also created and maintained by social media posting.

Publication plans: The tale crafted during this residency, interwoven with watercolor paintings, will find its place as the 7th volume of my "Nordic Tales." The Hrisey tale is set to be published at the end of January 2024, ensuring that the island's unique narrative and the artistic expressions inspired by its essence are shared with a broader audience.

In essence, my residency on Hrisey was a harmonious convergence of research, storytelling, and artistic exploration, reflecting the spirit of the island and its people in both words and watercolors.

Below you can enjoy a selection of the paintings from the Hrisey exhibition.