• artist-in-residence 2007-2008 index
•     ILSE VAN DEN BERK
•     residence period January -March 2008
•     catalogue of the works
•     new collaborative exhibition -Sojourn in White-

In winter 2008 ILSE VAN DEN BERK is one of the artists staying in the residence

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A residence period is very inspiring when it is possible to do experiments and see new elements in the works. After two months Now I’ve been two months in Saksala ArtRadius. During the second month I have found my structure in the things that I need in order to get in the right mood and find the right inspiration to create. For me it’s important to have daily walks outside. Because of the silence en emptiness of nature I clear my head. The surrounding during my walks give me inspiration about what I’m trying to find in my work. My works show the widespread Finnish environment. If I’m in the forest, the surrounding closes me in. I feel tied up. If I then leave the forest, the surrounding is so wide that I feel totally free. Sometimes this is such an amazing experience that it overwhelmed me. In my work you can feel this experience in a surrealistic way. Nature is all around us. Sometimes we don’t pay any attention to nature. If you open your mind about the natural surrounding it can overwhelm you, like you didn’t knew before.
During my walks I’m searching for new paths. In my work I’m also trying to find new paths. On a later moment, I can work out these paths. During my time here, I try to find as many paths as I can find. Because there is no distraction here, everything that you experience finds his place in the art. You can put your energy in the things that you want to explore. That is the reason that my work is changing fast during my stay here. It gives me opportunities to play with art. This gives again some new ideas to work out. With this I have created a new way of working. Maybe this is the most important thing that I have learned so far and what is only possible in a surrounding with no distraction so you can concentrate on the things you are working on.

 

all images © ilse van den berk 2008	see the works
see also the website of Ilse van den Berk	special pages about the residence period in Finland

Arts Council Finland	AllaprimA foundation the Netherlands	Encouragement Fund Finland

Saksala ArtRadius
Marja de Jong
Karhuntie 11
51600 Haukivuori

M +358 (0)50 4625 675
 

www.saksala.org
www.allaprima.org
www.foam.ws
www.14square.com

also visit
AllaprimA
14square
ArtRadius
Lucien den Arend
St Ives Net / Selected Art