Nadine Zackrisson

Color is always the dominant focus in my work. The simplified barns with their flattened geometric shapes become a focus for exploring the expressive use of color. Using a mixture of collage, acrylics, and transparent inks, these imaginary landscapes and structures also reflect my interest in Scandinavian landscapes and folk art. Other paintings in this show also are based on landscapes and impressions of northern Norway.

Masks have always fascinated me. As a way of transforming our ordinary faces, they are elements in Nordic folk art and traditions as they are in many other countries and are used to enter into or express the spirit world. In another sense, all of us often wear masks, consciously or unconsciously, to disguise our true selves. In working with this first iteration of masks, they began to assert their own personalities, or perhaps elements of memories and dreams.

Before moving to Whidbey Island, I lived in Northern Norway and Sweden for a number of years. During this time, I studied Scandinavian folk art as well as taking workshops with several Swedish artists. The light and landscapes of northern Scandinavia are strong influences in my paintings as are the works of contemporary Danish and Swedish artists.

Recent exhibitions include a solo show at Bayview Center in November 2016 and the 12 x 12 x12 show at the Front Room Gallery. I received a BA in Fine Arts from Portland State University. In addition, I have an MA in Urban Planning from the University of British Columbia and a law degree from the University of Puget Sound/Seattle University Law School.