Jorunn Westad: From architecture to (another type of) art

Jorunn Westad, a former architect, has become a full-time painter. Scan Magazine talks to the artist about the shift and her work and inspiration.

“The dimensions of forms and shapes, how to make them balanced is something deeply embedded in me, so yes, being an architect does contribute to my painting,” says Jorunn Westad.

An educated and formerly practicing architect, Westad explains that the shift from the project drawing board to becoming a painter, was gradual.

Stairway to heaven, 150 x 150 cm.

“I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a student, but in 2000 I was admitted to Buskerud Bildende Kunstnere and for years, I worked as an architect during the day and went home to paint in the evening. Some 10 years ago, I decided to do this full time,” she says smilingly, clearly happy about her choice.

While both architecture and paintings are artistic expressions, Westad explains that even though a myriad of different people have a say in any architectural project, the painting is just hers. That it seems, is a relief.

Jorunn Westad. Photo: Cedric Archer

“Nobody can take the brush away from me,” she says, while also admitting that being a painter can be a bit of a roller-coaster, where the excitement of feeling inspired intertwines with long periods where nothing seems to move very much.

“The important thing is to keep working through those periods,” Westad underlines, adding that she doesn’t necessarily know where her inspiration comes from.

CONCERT BY THE SEA 60 x 60 cm_Photo Jorunn Westad

A universal language

“I work with my intuition. Inspiration just comes and manifests itself on the canvas and the brush often appears to control me more than the other way around. But it’s all about energy – spiritual and physical energy – that’s what my painting is about,” she says.

And the audience’s response? They often remain awestruck. “I sometimes feel that I communicate with their souls in a universal language,” she says.

LIFE ON PLACES I DON’T KNOW ABOUT 100×100 cm_Photo Jorunn Westad

Her endeavours have gained Westad permanent status at galleries in both Norway and Denmark, and she says that the Danish audience is attracted by the Norwegian nature that inevitably finds its way onto her canvas. “Norwegian art has something that Danish art does not have – and vice versa,” she points out.

From the artists’ collective in Tønsberg, where she works together with more than 20 other artists, including photographers, writers and artists working with textile, Westad says that she has no other immediate plans for the future, other than to just keep painting. It would appear, in other words, that she has found her calling.

OMG100 x 100 cm_Photo Jorunn Westad

Web: www.jorunnwestad.no
Instagram: @jorunnwestad