Gro Heining
Artist Statement
Drawing and painting have always been a way of expressing myself. Nature is my primary source of inspiration. Painting for me is a meditative state of being, where I connect to the elements and the rhythm of nature, weaving dreams and visions into my artwork. My idea of the intention of doing art is to communicate that all things are connected with one another and to the universe. The interconnectedness of all things in nature represents a deep unity within myself. I also consider myself as a teacher using the language of colors as a metaphor of hope for the future. I like to think of my paintings as gifts from the spiritual realm revealed after journey to the land of introspection. Welcome to traces of my vision.
Awards, books and exhibitions
2021
American Writers Review, A literary journal: Art in the time of Covid-19.
Art Universal - the great encyclopedia of international art.
Collector’s Vision International Art Award.
International Prize Dante Alighieri.
1st Art Palermo International Biennial.
Power of Creativity Art Prize.
Art Olympic Prize.
2022
International Prize Leonardo da Vinci.
International Prize CARAVAGGIO.
International Art Award Voices of Tomorrow.
Anthology V, 2022, Guto Ajayu Culture.
Power of Creativity Art Book, Contemporary Art Curator.
2023
1st International Prize Donatello
Collectors Art Prize
The Faces of Peace Art Book, Contemporary Art Curator
Art for Peace, International Cultural Management
Exhibitions
Since 1982 more than 60 exhibitions in Norway, USA, Spain and Italy.
What’s your background?
From a very young age I found myself drawn to the colorful artist way of life. The inspiration came from artists in my family. I enjoyed their way of seeing and living.
I started making drawings on any kind of paper when I was 6 years always in black and white.
My education was administration and languages, but in my late twenties, I started focusing on colors and I felt a strong urge to express myself through painting. I courageously initiated my first exhibition in 1982 at 31 years of age in «The Green Kitchen» in Oslo. A few years later, I started a year of basic drawing and life drawing at Oslo Maleskole, in 1990 studying experimental painting in Santa Fe, New Mexico and 1996, a semester at Mosebekk Painting School in Oslo.
What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?
I am filled with gratitude and inspiration and very moved by it. Being primarily self taught, following my own path, it is extremely rewarding and inspiring.
What do you think is the role of art in the world today?
Art is powerful, art is beauty, art is a bridge builder and art invites for dialogue and communication. We need it more than ever.
Personally I hope that art will lead the world into a less materialistic path and connecting more with nature.
What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?
To emphasize art in the curriculum from a very early stage. Facilitate and help young artists - our world need a lot more artists to bring the world in the right direction.
What are your most significant professional achievements?
Armory for the Arts Show in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA 1988
Kunst på Arbeidsplassen in Oslo, Norway bought 11 of my works in the 1990’ies.
Exhibiting in Rådhusgalleriet in Oslo 2014 in the «Aurora Verksted Exhibit» my former employer for 12 years - creating and developing collective art in a social cooperative.
Solo exhibition at Galleri Festiviteten, Eidsvoll Verk, Norway in 2018.
1st Art Palermo International Biennial, 2021
What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?
I am painting the invisible. What we cannot see, but feel. How colors speak to us. That everything is connected. Every step we take, what we do and every thought we make, are having an impact on our world. And the importance of understanding that these dynamics require time and gentle steps, has become a daily ritual for me just like painting.
My idea of the intention of doing art is to be able to communicate that all things are connected with one another and the universe. My hope is to inspire the viewer to experience the painting itself as an invitation to enter into «a space of personal reflection». If my painting moved the viewer or asking questions I have reached my goal.
What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?
Work hard, be patient, be open and follow your heart.
In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?
Right now is a time of listening, seeing and waiting. I am feeling that something is changing in my expression. My focus is being open, receptive and patient.
My inspiration this year is working with a new series of paintings titled «Hope».
Country Norway
Website https://gro-heining.no
