Around the Studio

The studio building. It is called Troms fylkskultursenter and a few other names. It was a tuberculosis hospital for children a long time ago and apparently there are some stories, but I have so far avoided listening to any. It feels like a lovely place and I love looking out at the back of these rabbits from our apartment on the third floor or from the studio on the first floor. 

This elevator makes me happy even though it doesn't work. It is painted with some care and imagination with each floor a different colour combination. This (our) floor is my favourite.

The building is large with lots of doors to different studios and spaces. I find so many of the details charming. Even the fire alarm panel that I had to have a training session with two firemen on the third day I was here. Our smoke detector is very sensitive in our apartment and toast should be made under a fan hood turned on high.

There are many different colour doors with signs and labels which I don't understand. For instance, this one is not about naughty but I think is a shower room or bathroom. Good to know.

Here are a few of my favourites.

This is a well respected film studio. I heard that Tromsø has a fairly well known film festival in the Winter. That would be a good holiday with the Northern lights.

I am almost positive there is no beer in here. I keep seeing this word in different buildings and think it may have something to do with maintenance. Much more research needed in all areas. Grocery shopping is mostly figured out though.

I am making a happy face here after struggling with the three colour mountain image I am trying to finish. It was to be a test print in preparation for an entirely different series of plant works. I am not so sure now. I am becoming a bit obsessed with the mountains...

This is the top floor or attic that a number of artists share as their studios. It is open concept and has a lovely feel to it.

More Tromsø

Things are going well in Tromsø. The weather seems to be slightly overcast and cool mixed with super sunny and warm. So, just right maybe. I haven't been up the mountain again yet, but am keen to do so. I am still mixing my studio work with wandering around discovering this beautiful place. 

Here are some more photos of my wanders.

More views from the mountain top.

Bottom of the mountain, fjord, bridge and Tromsø on the other side.

On the far side of Tromsø (from my mountain view).

Silvia and Audrée up the mountain, eating blueberries and looking like they are too close to the edge. The steep sides make me a bit nervous up there.

Audrée, Maria and Silvia happy at the top of the mountain.

This cutie lives in the oldest pub here in Tromsø, called Ølhallen. 

Isbjørn says, be cool.

Audrée and Maria berry picking. Crow berries and Blue berries.

We followed the path over the edge and down the mountain. It was a bit hairy and it took me some time to recover. Emotionally and physically. I think I am now ready to try it again.

Most mornings fresh berries and yoghurt

Cable car stop at the top and lovely cafe for lunch. I am still a bit in shock about walking down from there.

Angelica or Giant Hogweed? They both grow everywhere here. 

Giant Hogweed or Tromsø Palm as they call it here. It also looks a lot like Angelica... I want to get to the bottom of this. In Ontario it is supposedly so poisonous that the sap can make you very photosensitive and you can break out in burns. In Tromsø, it is everywhere and no one seems the least bit concerned.

When you find a bit of Guelph at the local library. And they gave me my own library card. I can actually hang out 'after hours'. Feeling very privileged. I asked if it was possible to take books out as a foreigner and the librarian looked a bit taken aback, "but of course" she said to me.

I loved the windows on this church at the end of the alley.

I am falling in love with these mountains everywhere. We are surrounded here by their beauty. It is truly distracting... can I really complain about being distracted by the beauty here?

It is creeping into my work and making me question everything I am working on.

The mountains might just take over. We will have to see what happens.

Tromsø, you are so beautiful!

I am in Tromsø, Norway on a printmaking residency! I took a good long day to adjust after having flown numerous planes through the night and am now feeling whole and considerably more with it. My studiomate Audrée, guide and director of Prima Ink Silvia, her lovely friend Maria and I have spent two super days discovering the city and adventuring around. I am so thrilled to be able to work in this environment for one month. I will document this wonderful place and all the great printmaking that will be happening soon. For now, here are a few snapshots from around town and from on top of the beautiful Storsteinen mountain everyone loves to climb here. I only walked down from the top and that was alot! 

lovely cafe/bar in the front of this theatre

and it looks like this will be playing there a few days after I leave...

this is Audrée, who became a participant in an art performance piece...

or a prop

My library. Yes, that's right, they gave me a card. They are cool like that here.

These lovely ladies at the top of the mountain enjoying the fresh air and the view.