I have always drawn and painted, but it was only in 2011 that I began to explore dioramas as a form of expression. In the beginning, my dioramas were inspired by specific eras and places, often with references to the world of the film. My passion for film led to recreations of iconic scenes from The Exorcist and Twin Peaks, among others.
Eventually I developed a particular focus on Victorian themes, where I was given the opportunity to explore topics such as social injustice, faith and superstition. This theme gave me a strong platform to experiment with symbolism and darker sides of human nature.

In 2020, I started drawing inspiration from my own Norwegian cultural heritage. By including my upbringing and background in the works, I explore traditions, rituals, myths and folk beliefs through a personal perspective. A central work in this new direction is the diorama Jul-Anders, which depicts a local tradition from my father’s hometown of Beiarn. Here, young men dress up in frightening costumes and go from house to house to threaten to eat meat, a tradition that has parallels in several cultures.

Through my various projects there is a common thread: an interest in the dark, and what hides behind a seemingly innocent exterior. I use mice as a medium, inspired by a long art historical tradition where animals are portrayed in human situations. Despite the seemingly sweet expression, my dioramas often have underlying themes of fear and melancholy, challenging the viewer.

My background as a costume designer in film for over 30 years has given me a deep understanding of craftsmanship, material use and details, which has greatly influenced my diorama practice. Every element in my works is handmade, and the process involves a lot of problem solving and improvisation. It takes up to six months to complete a diorama.

My goal is to capture the viewer’s imagination and give them an experience of wonder and exploration. Through my works, I want to remind adults of the childlike fascination they once felt, while at the same time introducing new generations to traditions and customs that are about to be forgotten.