Line Nilsen (b. 1985) is a Norwegian designer, textile artist and hand weaver who specializes in hand-woven artworks. She finds her inspiration in the Arctic landscape where she grew up and where the absence and presence of light through the seasons has a profound effect on the mind and body. Nilsen’s works are an emotional response to this unique environment and the core concept of most of her artworks.
Her art is characterized by an abstract and reduced language that radiates a meditative calm. Sometimes the minimalist compositions are reminiscent of landscapes, sometimes of the dark and deep blue night sky with northern lights. On closer inspection, the countless interwoven threads become visible, giving the works a unique tactile quality.
Craftsmanship and dedication to the creative process play a central role, as there is a considerable amount of invisible work behind each piece. The creative process is time-consuming and requires countless hours of repetitive actions and meticulous detail work to bring out the subtle features of the hand-woven canvases.
Nilsen uses a variety of yarns – from linen and cotton to wool and silk. The mixture of these materials contributes decisively to the texture and feel. Each yarn has its own distinctive character and always behaves slightly differently in the fabric. She dyes the threads by hand using Ikat techniques, often in several layers, which creates additional dynamism and depth of color.
When weaving, Line Nilsen merges with her loom and allows herself to be carried by the rhythmic movements and natural flow of the weaving process. She finds joy in the slow transformation from yarn to fabric, a transformation that requires patience and a special appreciation for the craft.
With excitement and anticipation, she awaits the moment when she releases the completed artworks from the loom, reveals the passionately hand-painted fabrics and finally finishes them to adorn the walls of art lovers worldwide.
Further Reading
https://www.linenilsen.com/
https://www.instagram.com/linenilsentextiles/
https://mah-gallery.com/artists-al#/line-nilsen/
