Bird painter

Days spent along the shoreline form the foundation of my creative work. Over the years, they have grown into thousands of hours and countless days of fieldwork. The sketches and notes I gather during these moments are essential—they become the backbone of my process once I return to the studio.

When I return to my sketches and notes in winter, I travel back in time. The words and lines carry with them a sense of place and presence—emotions captured in the moment. They guide me gently in the studio, becoming the compass for my creation.

The process

text

The texts I write rarely focus on the intricate details of the birds or their environment, though that does occasionally happen. Instead, they are brief and often carry a poetic undertone, aiming to capture a feeling in the moment. Many of my paintings have arisen from these texts, and I am continually fascinated by how these few simple words can bring me back to those moments, evoking the same sense of presence and inspiration.

“Maybe it’s the wind that does it. Maybe it’s the noise of the waves. Maybe it’s just a coincidence that they fly in and land in the light of dawn.”

Wander through the hues,
Wind holds still, no wings take flight,
Soon it will arise.

The process

sketches

On the shoreline, sketches emerge from simple lines. Light and color are captured with water and pigments, filling the surface of the paper. These moments, once fleeting, provide memories from times that have already passed, transforming into something else.

Strandland

In my book Strandland (Shoreland), I describe the birdlife from early spring to late autumn. Sketches and paintings are intertwined with texts drawn from my fieldbooks, creating a narrative that seamlessly blends art and observation.

Notes and sketches from a shore where birds land and leave impressions.