Creative Collaboration in Denmark
I just love stories of successful collaborations between creatives -- it's really special and I hope to someday enter a relationship with someone in which I can share a workspace with too. There is something so energizing about working with another whom you get along with well and can talk to throughout the day, bouncing ideas off of one another in addition to sharing work and dividing tasks so that all of the work doesn't fall on one person. With this in mind, are you ready to see a lovely glimpse into the world of Sidsel Gaustadnes and Line Juhl Hansen who are both artists, bloggers, friends and creative ladies in Denmark?
These ladies share a studio (two different companies, same space and coffee machine!) and if you read Boligliv magazine, you may have already peeked in on them as they have a lovely spread in the March 2010 issue. Thing is, it's in Danish and I thought it may be nice to share some highlights of the article in English so Sidsel has quoted a few bits from it to share with you today. I also have photos that both Sidsel and Line sent in to share first with decor8 readers of their home and workspace, so please pause for a moment to enjoy these inspiring spaces today -- such a nice start to a new week!
"The name of the street is translated to Lovers Lane - but I prefer Pathway of love - since it expresses our working paths better. The street is a hidden pathway with no cars allowed," says Sidsel. Ooh isn't this charming?
Here are some highlights from the magazine only in English...
"In the heart of Aarhus, a short distance from the harbour and the heavily-trafficked approach roads, a small oasis of charm and character lies hidden. Surrounded by old mews and apartment blocks are old industrial buildings and workshops... this place is called “Kærlighedsstien”, and for a couple of hundred metres it is reminiscent of a calm breath of air in the middle of the city traffic. In No. 7, the artist and architect Line Juhl Hansen and graphic designer Sidsel Gaustadnes have their base in one of the old workshops – Line with her paintings and Sidsel with her graphic design company., Spagat."
"Line has worked as an established painter for a number of years and is represented in some of the country’s leading galleries. With her delicate sense for graphic design, Sidsel has created graphic identities for companies for several years. When art meets design a really special vibe emerges, a vibe the two women invoke in both individual and shared projects."
"Not far from the studio lies the 80-square-metre apartment with three rooms that is the home of Line, her boyfriend Jonas and children Vigga and Sofus. The small space only leaves room for objects and furniture that serve a practical purpose. It has been of crucial importance for Line and her family to be surrounded by city life. The family does have a summer house, however, which they use a lot both during summer and winter when they need to take deep breaths of fresh air and the kids need to roam more freely. Line and Jonas are both architects by trade and they both have a handyman gene – which is good because when you have two children in an apartment with three rooms it tests your skills at interior decoration." You can see more about painter Line Juhl Hansen here.
"Graphic designer Sidsel Gaustadnes lives with her husband, Klaus, and their daughter, Nanna, in a 138-square-meter, four-room apartment in the center of Aarhus. The flat has big bright windows, tall ceilings, lye-treated wooden floors and the first impression is one of purity and light. On the walls are paintings by, among others, her colleague Line Juhl Hansen. You can feel that great emphasis is put on the fact that the home is the base for a family. There is space just to be – and you want to spend time in the rooms." You can see more of Sidsel Gaustadnes’ design here.
For the full article (this was only a partial take) and beautiful views from the magazine pick up a copy of BoligLiv if you are able. If not, this will hopefully lead you over to the BoligLiv website along with those of Sidsel and Line, to find more inspiration today.
Thank you so much ladies for allowing decor8 readers into your fantastic spaces today!
P.S. Tomorrow I'll share with you another collaboration between two amazing designers who happen to live in my neighborhood... Stay tuned for that!
(photos: Hanna Stroyer)