It is nearly 8 years since I was an artist in residence at Drammen Union Kommune in Norway. Since my first stay in 2017, I have planned to come several times to Norway again to expand on my creative research into ancestry, river stories and relationships to place. It took a while so I am very happy to be back 🙂
This time around there is a slightly different focus to my creative research, one which resonates around globally as we all face the reality of the impacts of climate change.
Water, including impacts of flood and drought have been themes that I have explored in my creative process over many years. Now I seek to build on this research by looking more closely at architectural design and the influence that Scandinavian migrants had on the proliferation of the Queenslander house. The Scandinavians were builders through necessity with many sea farers having skills in carpentry – like my ancestor Anton Bernsten.
A couple of architects have argued strongly that I am off my head for having such an idea, but there must be something to this hypothesis as I will be starting a 2nd PhD at University of Queensland in October in the department of Architecture, Planning and Design.
My thesis will explore these connections in terms of understanding the past, the present and the possible future of this vernacular home design which is unique to Qld and Northern NSW. I am really humbled and excited to also share that I have a full scholarship including stipend which feels like a real affirmation for this project.
Another lovely aspect of my return to Drammen as artist-in-residence is this time I have a studio at Strømsø Atelierfellesskap which is a wonderful way to connect to other artists working locally. I already met one amazing artist working this themes of climate using the Gordian knot as a motif in her work…
Here is a few happy snaps from my first meander around the river ❤
More soon ❤
Tracey M Benson || Bytetime 