Rhoda replies………

What is the Vesterheim Gold Medal?

“This prestigious award is the highest honor awarded in the US for excellence in rosemaling.  The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA awards the Vesterheim Gold Medal.  To earn this award artists must complete and earn 8 points at the annual national competition each July.  The first Gold Medal was awarded in 1969.  Since that time, just over 50 artists have received this award.  By the way, VGM stands for Vesterheim Gold Medalist.”  

Do you teach rosemaling?

“I like to teach 3-5 day seminars.  I have taught most years at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA, since I received my Gold Medal in Rosemaling.  I teach a limited number of seminars in other locations.”

How long does it take to rosemal an item?

“That is a difficult question to answer.  So much depends on the complexity of the project and the design that develops for each piece.  I do paint quickly, but with authority.  I guess 30 years of rosemaling helps!  I prefer to complete a design in one painting session so that the colors blend and work together.”

Have you been to Norway?

“Yes, I have had the opportunity to travel to and study in Norway five times, participating in the study tours sponsored by the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.  I have been to the areas of Hallingdal, Hordaland, Gudbrandsdalen, Os, Rogaland, Romsdal, Telemark, Setesdal, Valdres, Vest Adger, and Voss.  In these places I have had the opportunity to study many of the old rosemaled pieces in museums, homes, and churches.”

With whom have you studied?

“During the study tours in Norway, I have studied with Knut Andersen, Tore Christiansen, Nils Ellingsgard, Ragnvald Frøysedal, Sigrid Midjås Heisholt, Oskar Kjetsaa, and Bjorhild Nybråten.  I have also studied with Eva Arnesen, Ida Björgli, Gunnar Bø, Kari-Signi Bråthen, Knut Buen, Egil Dahle, Torrun Rød Farsund, Turid Helle Fatland, Bjørg Kleivi, Randi Lian, Bergljot Lünde, Svanhild Langstad, Eli Saelid, and Einar Syrstad when they have taught in the USA.”

“In addition, I have studied with several outstanding American rosemaling teachers.  Each instructor has been important in the development of my personal style of rosemaling.”

What is your favorite background color?

“The one I am working on at the time.  In our home, many of the pieces I own and have feature a Norwegian Red background.  This was also the color of my first piece.”

What is new in your work as your style has developed?

“I have been working with new and different colors within the tradition ones; some I have added because I like them.  Jo Sonja Jansen has been a great help and inspiration and has helped me expand and grow a great deal in my work.”

“I am so intrigued by the natural formed bowls and have enjoyed painting them.  I expect the class I just finished will influence my style, too!

Thanks, Turid!   I really like to work on a variety of pieces, but whatever I am working on at the moment is always good.”

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