Kine Kjaer: A versatile illustrator honouring Sami culture and heritage

By Maria Sødal Vole | Photos: Kine Kjær

Tromsø-based illustrator Kine Kjær has gone from strength to strength during her 15-year career. With the aim of honouring and embracing Sami and Northern Norwegian nature and culture, Kjær’s work is known for its unique designs, vibrant colour palette, and depth of meaning.

Kjær’s proud Sami heritage is intrinsic to her work as an illustrator, reflecting her deep commitment to honouring the past and those that came before her. The Sami people are descendants of Europe’s oldest indigenous culture – an aboriginal, nomadic population. With a long history, rich cultural heritage, and proud traditions, the Sami settled in Northern Scandinavia and have preserved their way of life for thousands of years.

Kine Kjaer: A versatile illustrator honouring Sami culture and heritage

Kjærtegn mugs.

However, around 1850, the Norwegian government began implementing harsh assimilation policies that threatened to eradicate Sami culture. New laws stripped Sami people of their rights – many families were forced to relocate, children were taken from their parents and sent to boarding schools where they were to “become Norwegian”, and Sami languages were prohibited in schools.

“A lot of Sami people were forced out of the area where I grew up. I wish there was more focus on honouring Sami traditions when I was a child,” Kjær says. “Reclaiming space, uncovering the past, taking back some of what has been lost, and celebrating Sami culture have always been very important to me. It’s an ancient culture that remains alive and well.”

Bjørvika Apartments – Prestvannet.

A passionate and prolific illustrator, Kjær’s body of work is varied and far-reaching. Her most recent major project, the children’s book Samenes Nasjonaldag, was published in January 2025. The book was illustrated by Kjær and written by author and editor Gudny Ingebjørg Hagen. Combining interesting historical facts with engaging storytelling and colourful illustrations, the book focuses on Sami heritage and the celebration of The Sami National Day. “It’s a beautiful book and a great story,” Kjær says. “I really enjoyed working on it!”

Riddu Riddu.

A rich cultural heritage

Growing up between steep mountains and fierce seas, Kjær spent much of her time outside. She had a strong urge to explore the wild, untamed nature of Northern Norway and get to know animals, insects, and everything else outside her window. “I believe living in harmony with nature is something we need as human beings,” she says. “There’s a natural meeting point between humans and animals, and in my work, honouring animals is just as important as honouring people.”

Historically, the Sami people and Norwegians living in northern Norway have shared a deep connection with nature and the animal world. Featuring a range of motifs inspired by the diverse Northern Norwegian nature, landscape, and animal population, Kjær considers her artwork and illustrations “a little ode to Norway and Sami culture.”

Lunch.

There’s a homely, nostalgic feel to Kjær’s pieces – especially her KJÆRTEGN series of mugs. With their timeless designs and vibrant colours, these high-quality mugs are made to be passed down from generation to generation. The illustrations often portray humans and animals living in harmony with each other and with nature, blending a modern aesthetic with a sense of comforting familiarity.

“My mugs are for anyone and everyone. The designs are reminiscent of my childhood and the lovely motifs on my grandma’s mugs – they should make you feel like you’re sitting in your grandmother’s kitchen,” Kjær says. “I make mugs that both kids and adults can enjoy, and I love the idea that they may inspire curiosity around Sami heritage and culture in someone that isn’t familiar with it.”

Rakettkiosken.

Many of the mugs feature different kofter – traditional Sami clothing of which there are many designs. Using shades inspired by the rich colours of the Sami flag, Kjær values accuracy in her depiction of kofter. “My colour palette pays homage to the natural shades of Northern Norwegian nature – the golden yellow of the midnight sun, the vivid green of the northern lights,” she says. “Cobalt blue and classic bright red work wonderfully together and provide a wintry feel.”

Kjær’s unique mugs all carry names in the Northern Sami language, adding depth to their cultural relevance. The few remaining Sami languages feature on UNESCO’s list of endangered languages. “It felt natural to give the mugs individual names that relate to the designs,” Kjær says. “Highlighting a language that is at risk of dying out is important to me – it’s my small contribution towards preserving this valuable aspect of Sami culture.”

Self portrait – The Magical Forest.

Kjær has worked with several major international brands such as Patagonia, UEFA, and Apple, while also providing illustration services to Norwegian clients such as Cappelen Damm, NRK, and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Alongside the varied assignments she takes on for a range of clients, Kjær also welcomes commissions. Her pieces can be found at multiple locations across Northern Norway and in Oslo, and they can also be purchased on her website.