This picture is also inspired by Southern Utah - an area I love and have visited several times. The title speaks for itself: All the small and large rocks, spread throughout the barren landscape, representing the confusion life can bring. However, the solid rock rising against the sky symbolizes the perpetuating stability of life (with or without us).
Forbidden Canyon
Original ink on acid free paper
Year: 2001
Owned by: Helgesen family, Moss, Norway
Forbidden Canyon is the name of a real place in southern Utah. The picture talks about the self-destructive impulses associated with depression.
Inspired by Alby 1
Original ink on acid free paper
Year: 2001
Size: 30x40 cm (11.75x15.75 inch)
Owned by: Personal collection
Alby is a local place by the ocean where locals from Moss (where I live), often come to stroll and to enjoy the beautiful scenery. I came there during a time of extreme cold and severe crisis in 2001. Completely desperate, I began to draw on a bench. I remember an older man asking if I was ok, saying I shouldn't sit in the cold so poorly dressed. But I just kept on drawing and he left. When the drawing was finished I was so cold I could barely walk back to the car. It was like I hadn't felt the cold while drawing. It's an odd memory: In one way very sad, but also inspiring as it shows the power of art and my love for this place. I've made several versions of this motif over the years and has also inspiraed several oil paintings.
Fireclouds
Original ink on acid free paper
Year: 2001
Owned by: For sale: 3900 NOK ($650.00) including frame.
My Strange New Looking Bed and Nailed To The Wall Picture