Small textiles, big rugs, and elaborate pattern as far as the eye can see! How, I ask you, have I not learned about Norwegian artist Sissel Blystad until now? She was born in Oslo in 1944, and she’s been making work since 1972! I love this chunk of text from her site… it’s been translated from Norwegian so it might be a bit off, but her honesty and humor certainly isn’t:
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“Here is my self-made website with works ranging from 1972 to 2015. It may look like I’ve taken everything I’ve done, but I have not deleted. I think it’s important and show also older stuff, which I do not necessarily are equally happy with today, but that is also part of my oeuvre.
I feel like I’ve gotten done very much when I look back, and that’s because I’ve had this as the first priority in all years. And I must, with hand on heart, say that I have never made anything just to sell, but only to meet and challenge myself. By type, I’m curious, and do not give up so easily. And why have I managed to claw me stuck in this job. Like many other artists also I had to take other jobs beside at times, but usually with great reluctance.”
The. Best.
ps. An installation view from a 2016 show at Hester NY, and a photo of Sissel in her studio from 2011:
Source: thejealouscurator