A little while ago I was in contact with a gallery in Drammen. I knew other artists that were represented there and I thought it could be a good place for my paintings. I sent an email and referred to my webpage where examples of my work are presented. For weeks I heard nothing. I talked to some other people asking about their experience with the gallery and they told me that they had been forthcoming, clear and honest. Still nothing and I decided to send a reminder sms. The gallery replied promptly and curtly that my representation was out of the question. That was it, no explanation or any kind of why. No explanation, no dialogue, no niceties. I was left with  these sneaky feelings, it really upset me. Did I do something wrong? Did I say something wrong? You’re trying to fill the hole, the something that’s missing, that fills up with insecurity. That’s when I reconnect with the little girl inside. A little girl that needs comforting and looking after and that I need to take care of. She needs connection as opposed to rejection.

I don’t need everyone to like my work, but as a professional artist I need them to know that I’m not mucking around, I’m serious about what I do. It’s about being respected. Recognition is great and you always want recognition as an artist, as a painter and as a human being. Respect and acceptance for what I do as an artist and that I’m serious about it, that is the baseline for me.