Prillarguri, acrylic 30 x 25
first part of a series:

Prillarguri, acrylic 30 x 15
Varangian Trade Route, acrylic 30 x 24
Midnight Sun and Strawberries, acrylic 30 x 15

The focus of these paintings is hand-done form and color: geometric abstraction, modulation of color,
graphic representational design, and the human touch. I was partly inspired by Scandinavian Rosemaling.
I wanted to interpret, in a new way, the tradition of hand-painting, but to keep the continuity of certain
elements, such as: flowing shapes derived from nature, uneven layering of paint, and the use of
geometric scrolls, dots, and thick and thin forms, which are created by the skill of the human hand
rather than a soul-less stencil/ template. Also in the tradition, the design springs from the person--
with brights or pastels juxtaposed against neutrals or darks. My palate is more modern, but not too
far from a Scandinavian palette.

There's an exuberance, but a contemplative moodiness as well, to the Scandinavian spirit. This series
explores the Scandinavian quarter of my heritage. In the first painting, Prillarguri sounds the Prillar horn,
warning the peasant town of the invading Scotts. In the second, Norse ships of the Varangian Trade Route
float on the waterways toward new worlds, resulting ultimately in trade and cultural exchange with the
Byzantine Empire and modern-day Ukraine. In the third painting, I explored the degree of light exposure.
Depending how far north the location, Norway's midnight sun can bring thirty days to four months of
glowing perpetual light during the summer. Norway is also known for their flavorful strawberries--
here they lighten the mood in the foreground.