HOME - Gjertrud Hals

I was born and raised on a small island on the north-western coast of Norway, and this has to a large extent influenced my artwork. As a seasoned traveler I have observed many different cultures. Much of my artistic work is an attempt at expressing the connection between the islands micro-history and the worlds macro-history.

I was educated as a tapestry weaver. However, I soon started experimenting with other techniques. My breakthrough came in the late 1980s with Lava, a series of one-metre-high urns made of cotton and flax pulp. These vessels mark my transition from textile to fiber art.

I make objects that vary in nature and in the techniques applied: I cast, spray, cut, knit and weave..Like gathering world wide myths and experiences, collecting material and objects is also an important part of my work process.

I do enjoy the fact that I can creatively act as I please, use whatever material I wish, be severe and meditative one day and playful the next.