Hello,
Happy New Year! How did it start for you? How is it going? Any new year resolutions? Plans? Mine was to have first cup of coffee outside, but does sticking your head out the window and having a sip counts? Then I’m doing well :)
I would love to share my proudest highlight of 2023, I have a new book out! Drawing People, it’s an interactive journal to inspire and teach you how to draw people. I worked on it in autumn 2022 and winter/spring 2023 and it came out in November!!!
I organised a book launch in Bergen and with the Christmas rush, I am only now getting around to show and tell you all about it and show some pictures.
I always think that there should be a celebration ritual for all visual artists when we complete the project. My sister is a violinist and after preparing for a concert, she performs, gives a wonderful experience to viewers and they reward her effort and time with applause! Am I saying I want applause when I finish a project… WELL… YES, I AM. Usually, I receive a nice email, which is so nice but then I turn around and I’m sitting alone in a dimly lit room. It’s either I have to find a way for that applause to happen or I have to make sure I turn all the lights when reading these emails.
I want a party, closure, celebration. To show off what I’ve done and get some feedback!
My first book The Art of Gouache came out during covid so it was not an option. But this time I really wanted to have a book launch. Hehe, to launch that fresh new book into the world with all the good luck and good vibes!
I am renting a studio space at ISOTOP, and they have a really cosy exhibition space on the ground floor. Big windows, lots of light, just off a busy street!
So, please, come in, welcome to the exhibition opening!
Once you enter through the glass doors you are facing a shelf of books with a giant lady in a lime green jumper. Doesn’t she look cute?
-Hei, so nice of you to come! (Hug/hug) Would you like a glass of wine? Or some juice? Welcome!
To the left are 4 giant spreads from the book! They are on the wall. And tons of pencils and pastels, shall we draw and do the exercises from the book? YESSSS!
There is one where you can draw facial features and hair. Another you draw people in the park. One more with drawing people walking in the rain. It is crazy rainy evening btw, but don’t worrry now you are in a bright and warm gallery with a drink in your hand looking outside to the street in pouring rain, SUPER COSY.
-Oh you drew thesse cute people, good job!!! Love the lines and the energy!
On the right wall is an eclectic collection of drawings of people, in mismatched frames and also some sketchbook spreads and shelves with tiny flowers in tiny bottles.
Drawing people is very fun, also makes for the cutest decoration! You only need to find a frame to match your drawing, and look! It’s done!
Would you like to flip through the book? Do you draw? And do you draw people? Why do you like it?
Thank you for coming!
It was a great pleasure to showcase my work to colleagues and friends here in Bergen. Now they know when I say what I am working on! :) Thank you to all who stopped by, it warmed my heart and it was exactly what I hoped it would be. A wonderful celebration of all the hard work on the book, not just mine but everyone involved. Editors, designers, sales team, publishers, copy editors, printers and more! Thank you Hardie Grant publishing house and everyone for all the hard work!D
Drawing People is available:
Barnes & Noble Target USA
Amazon worldwide. Orr you can get in touch with your local shop to ask if they will stock it, so you can have a look at it in person! :)
And now I’m ready to move to the next project! Well, but it’s january so I also have several resolutions to betray and finish knitting the cardigan from 2022, which I am now convinced is cursed and bringing bad vibes into my life, so I have to finish it to cleanse the slate, break the curse etc! :)
What about you? Did you enjoy visiting my book launch? What are your resolutions? year words? What are you up to?
There is also a sale in my shop with 25% EVERYTHING! Including the new book Drawing People! Until the end of the Month.
Just ordered your book, I love the exhibition set up!
I just got your book recently and I love it! 🥰 I live in Malaysia and it’s available here as well!