Some of my earliest childhood memories are of being creative and using unusual mediums to make beautiful things. I've pursued art instruction and opportunities to express myself colorfully for as long as I can remember, and I like to believe that the body of my work reflects that love. I'm still in a constant pursuit of further training and a more refined sense of personal style. For me, visual art is a tool that can be used to tell stories, transmit emotions, and share experiences beyond the boundaries of time, space, or common language. Visual language is something we all can share, and I hope to inspire others in some way through my usage of it. I hope you enjoy seeing the development of my own visual vocabulary through this collection, and I would love to hear your feedback!
My last name is Birkenes. In Norwegian, it means headland of birch trees. I thought this peaceful spot was absolutely perfect for capturing their wistful beauty.
Study of JMW Turner's "Wreckers - Coast of Northumberland 1834"
JMW Turner has long been one of my favorite artists. I love the atmospheric quality of his work and the natural movement of his compositions. I replicated this painting as part of my art studies in college, and it was one of my favorite projects!
"Serenity"
"Serenity" is the largest solo piece I've ever done - just shy of 3' by 5'. I had to pin the raw cloth to the wall and then build a frame to mount it on after the fact. It was very challenging and I'm super proud of it! 2' 7"x 4' 6"
"Stringing Galaxies"
God's creative power blows me away. The very same hands that spun the stars into motion formed my heart in every detail. I am who I am because He made me this way, and I'm so thankful He did.
"Lost in Thought"
The power of creativity and imagination are the best super powers we could ever have! Allowing ourselves to get lost in thought gives way to a whole new world of dreams and possibilities to explore.
"Pleasant Boundaries"
9"x12" Pen and Ink on Watercolor paper
Ink wash sketch I did of the view from my parents' deck "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16:6
"Inner Colors"
12"x16" Acrylic on stretched canvass.
I did this piece after I saw a vision of colors shining out of a plain candle. Sometimes there's more to see inside than the outward appearance would indicate.
This was the primary piece in my portfolio, for which I was awarded a scholarship at SRJC. It also won Best of Medium at the Sonoma County Fair in 2015.
"Stairway to Heaven"
I painted this piece from a picture someone photoshopped of the Swan Nebula. I wish formations like this occurred naturally! It's still amazing either way.
"Summer Afternoon"
9"x12" Acrylic on Paper
My sister and I went to the lake and it was just too serene to pass up. I love the way the light glistens on the water even in this quick little sketch.
"Peaceful Streams"
8"x10" Acrylic on watercolor paper
My first full piece after coming home from Israel in 2013. I always find water centering and refreshing to my spirit, and I wanted to capture that feeling during a time of transition.
"Thrive"
This is a piece I painted for a dear friend as a wedding gift. Thrive where you're planted, regardless of the circumstances.
"Chrysalis"
A chrysalis is what a caterpillar uses to become a butterfly. It's a symbol of transformation from one stage of life to another, freer and more beautiful stage.
"Weather the Storm"
24"x18" Acrylic on Canvas Panel
I first drew this picture during a very difficult season of life as a way to express how I felt. I recently rediscovered some of my pencil sketches and this one had been very significant to me, so I decided to do a more complete version of it now that I have come so far. I think it can be important to remember where we've come from.
"Woman In Paris"
20"x16" Acrylic on Canvas Panel
I've never been to Paris, but a girl can dream. =)