KRISTINA SØBSTAD

NEWS

(posted on 7 May 2017)

KRISTINA SØBSTAD – Heightened

May 5—May 27, 2017

  • Dreamland II

    oil and chalk pastel on canvas
    60" × 80"
    2016

Christina Parker Gallery is pleased to introduce painter Kristina Søbstad, in her inaugural exhibition with the gallery. The exhibition, HEIGHTENED, presents a series of evocative oil and chalk pastel paintings on canvas created between 2016 and 2017.

The artist opening reception is on May 5th from 5:30 – 8:00 and the exhibition will continue until May 27.

Exploring remote locations exposed almost solely to the elements is where I find inspiration. My work is drawn to the relationships between humans and their natural environments and the way in which our environments shape us as individuals and as communities My interest in more remote or isolated communities is based not only on the clear distinction of lifestyle and disposition but also the general approach towards time, nature and being. It is well documented that humans shape the environments they live in, but I feel that these environments equally shape humans. Whether approached as a question of lineage, mythology, or environmentalism, I investigate the legacies that the natural environment imprints upon us. A relationship between physical space and personal space, I believe in the connectedness between humans and the environment; humans are not separate, but rather are of the earth.

This exhibition, entitled Heightened, refers to the heightened state of awareness or the metaphysical experience that occurs when we connect directly to our natural surroundings. My work is an exchange, a defining moment of clarity where we can witness a transference from an intellectual to a visceral understanding of ourselves.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Kristina Søbstad is a Canadian – Norwegian visual artist currently based out of St. John’s, NL. Canada. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1984, she earned a BFA majoring in Fine Art from NSCAD University in 2010, with continuing education from NSCAD University, 2015. In September 2017, Søbstad will begin a Masters of Arts through Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. Søbstad’s work is primarily oil and acrylic on canvas as well as mixed media on paper.

Since 2007, Søbstad has actively been exhibiting internationally, participating in over 100 group and solo exhibitions. In 2015, after a group exhibition in Paris, Søbstad’s work was purchased by the Francophilie Art Bank in Paris.

As an advocate for mental health awareness and general wellbeing, Søbstad is involved with various charitable organizations including the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance and the Mosaic for mental health. In addition, her work “Promenade” is featured as the cover of Dr. Allan Abbass’ international best-selling book, “Reaching through Resistance.”

In 2014, Søbstad was nominated for the St. Albert emerging artists Mayoral Celebration of the Arts award, while exhibiting her work commercially in the heart of Edmonton. In 2015, Søbstad attended NES Artist residency in northern Iceland, researching isolated communities across the island for her “Dreamland” series, a traveling exhibition. In 2017 Søbstad will be traveling to Chile to attend a 2-week residency with the Museum of Modern Art in Chiloe. Søbstad is currently exploring remote communities in NFLD, Canada for her upcoming expedition series.

(posted on 20 Aug 2016)

(posted on 28 May 2016)

Daffodil Gallery
Located in the heart of Edmonton's Gallery district on beautiful 124th street, The Daffodil Gallery is home to around 40 contemporary artists, many of whom are from Edmonton and the surrounding area. Working in a variety of styles and media the gallery offers new and established art collectors an eclectic choice of fine artwork from sculpture to paintings, jewelry to glass work.

Kristina Sobstad

"My oil paintings on canvas refer to thoughts, memories or experiences, which materialize by means of vibrant colour combinations and abstract devices. This method deals with becoming uniquely aware of your imagination and the various ways it reveals itself to an individual."

Kristina Sobstad is currently based out of Nova Scotia, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD University. This Canadian/Norwegian artist has exhibited across Canada and is involved with many charitable organizations (including the Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance and the Mosaic for mental health). Her painting "Promenade" will be featured as the cover of Dr. Allan Abbass' upcoming academic book, "Reaching Through Resistance" which is to be available internationally in the spring of 2015. Kristina Sobstad was also nominated for the St. Albert emerging artists Mayoral Celebration of the Arts Gala award and her Norwegian felted pieces have been featured through the Art Gallery of St. Albert.
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