Lene graversgaard

Duration: October-november 2019

Lene Graversgaard is one of the short-term resident artists from Denmark this season. She hopes to draw inspiration from the natural landscape of New Harmony, while resourcing soil, stone and vegetation samples to incorporate into her reliefs. Lene also hopes to explore new ceramics techniques and experiment with different clays and firings. She looks forward to the opportunity of “time” that New Harmony Clay Project gives to all its residents, in order to concentrate fully on her process.

quick facts

How many years have you been working as a clay artist? I have been working with the clay since 1992.

What is your main clay body that you currently use? Stoneware.

What is the primary method you use for building your work? Hand-building and relief sculpting.

What is your favorite studio tool? Plaster molds and brushes for decoration.

Do you have any future clay wishes or dreams? I would very much like to know more about wood firing and maybe build an wood kiln in Denmark.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My art is based on an urge to explore the shape of the language of nature. I draw inspiration from the wild powers, unique light, harsh environment, and greedy sea that characterizes northern Jutland in Denmark. Using both sculpture, relief, and occasionally the potter’s wheel, I create using clay that I have incorporated other natural materials, thereby creating an abstract expression, where the material and colors form the language and energy of the subject.

Currently, I find inspiration in the plant world. My goal is to bring nature inside the home by interpreting nature's charm through color, form, and texture and by creating works that appeal to one's desire to be in nature, care for nature, and support new growth. Nature is full of magic; surprises and amazement; joy and energy, and that is exactly what I want to share with everyone.

BIOGRAPHY

BORN: Aalborg, Denmark        

Lene Graversgaard lives and works in Aalborg, located in the northern part of Denmark, near the rushing west sea and natural landscape. Throughout her childhood, the creative process has always fascinated Lene, and the surrounding nature has given her nourishment for creativity. She graduated in 1994, from the Seminar for Crafts and Design with a three-year education in Ceramics. In 2013, Lene was represented by Gallery Inuit in Aalborg, and in 2015, she attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Aarhus for ceramics.

Lene has experience in portrait modeling by living model and has the ability to reproduce sculptural forms with classical techniques; her master teaching was from sculptor M. Miller from Copenhagen, Denmark. Lene is also a trained social worker since 2002, specializing in visual arts. She has taught children and adults with a focus on creative workshops to help them foster the same enthusiasm she has for visual arts and ceramics.