An Interview with Artist Trine Meyer Vogsland

Trine Meyer Vogsland's paintings are in private collections the world over, and the demand for her work is growing. Teen Trend Magazine was fortunate to get an interview with Norway's hottest artist. Getting the paint brush out of her hand long enough to answer a few questions was a bit of a chore, but well worth the effort. Trine is very enthusiastic about the world of art and here she shares her inspirations and a bit of advice for aspiring Teen Trend artists.

TTM: At what age did you become interested in painting?

Trine: I have always been interested in art and have since my childhood dreamed of being able to draw and paint. I never could - not even matchstick figures. Honestly, I could not. I used my creative energy encouraging other persons' cretive works and was quite good at it from the feedback I got. About 6 years ago I started painting on glass - pure hobby work but that made me think that I at least could learn to draw simple cartoon figures and I bought tons of how to books. Then, nearly by accident when trying to find oil painting classes for my mum I ended up in one in England myself.

Only a few weeks later I sold three works at an exhibition locally and the ball started moving. From then on I have been on an accelerated journey where I spend all available hours working on my art or working on improving my skills. I have attended classes with several teachers in Ipswich, Ludlow and Newcastle in England and also in Norway and will continue to do so to keep improving my technical skills. I now have works in private collections in several countries, but I still am stunned when I get positive feedback from other artists.

TTM: What sparked your interest in painting?

Trine: What sparked my interest was mainly that I was suddenly able to use a brush to express myself and not only that, people really liked what I did. And even more strange to me at that time, they put money behind that praise so it was not empty either. That in itself made me float on clouds for at least a couple of months. I am not sure I have come down to earth yet - not sure I ever will.

The strange thing is that from that first lesson on my whole life has changed. I do not view the world around me the same anymore and people around me, family, friends and coworkers, yes even I myself have changed how they look at me. Every morning when I look at the sky I notice shapes and colours and tones of colour. The same happens with other objects, I even caught myself the other day staring transfixed at a person's wonderful planes in the nose area of his face.

TTM: What do you use for inspiration?

Trine: My whole outlook on the world around me is nearly like going from black and white into technicolour.

That is why when you ask me what inspires me I have to reply "everything". But of course some things are more of an inspiration than others. The bare landscapes of Northern Norway which is quite similar to some parts of Ireland and Northern USA and Canada is a favourite of mine. I grew up in Bodø above the polar circle so we had the midnight sun in summer, the northern lights and unfortunately also the dark days in winter where we did not see the sun or only very shortly. That has made me fascinated with putting lights into my paintings and playing with different kinds of lights in nature, especially in the skies.

As I told you I have no formal degree in art, at least not yet because I will continue to put in as much learning as I can in the future. Being a painter has become so important to me that I will probably change my life into a life where I can live very simply but concentrate on my art even more. That might mean selling my house or remortgaging it since the life of an artist is not a financially secure one.

One of my dreams is to spend at least three months travelling across USA with a camera, a sketch book and a portable easel. Another which I probably will realize this summer is to walk the pilgrimage road in Spain towards the medieval place Santiago de Compostela also carrying a sketch book and a camera and taking my time.

TTM: Did you take any formal classes or just go with your gut?

Trine: My formal education is that I am a university educated teacher with extra studies in special education.

In connection with my experience as a teacher I firmly believe and have always done so that art, whether the main goal or used as a support will enrich any students life and student results. Just simple sketches in mind maps helps the brain remember. We do have two halves of the brain - schools these days use way too much the intellectual half and way too little the creative half. The ideal would be for both sides working together.

TTM: Do you have any parting advice for young folks who wish to be artists?

Trine: If you want to become amn artist there are a few very important things to do.

Number one is to get a practical education whether within art or outside of it. The term "starving artist " is not a joke. Secondly, postpone having kids - the time and money responsibilities will make you a hobbyist.

Third; GO FOR IT!!!! Follow your dream, work hard and you will find a great life and meet so many wondeful people.

These days there are incredible skilled teachers out there on the net sharing their knowledge, many have made instructional DVDs which are available online, in shops and also in libraries. There are thousands of books to learn from and most is available in libraries too. So get yourself some cheap budget basement brushes, paint and canvases or papers and start painting and drawing. EVERYONE can learn. I am the proof of that.

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My article appeared in the Aug/Sept 2007 issue of Teen Trend Magazine; All rights reserved

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