Ólöf Einarsdóttir
Textile sculptor
Reykjavík, Iceland
Sculpting with colour and thread
- Ólöf is inspired by the unpredictability of the Icelandic landscape
- She combines different fibres to achieve her desired colours and textures
- Horse hair is central to her work
Ólöf Einarsdóttir makes large-scale, one-off textile pieces and installations that capture the essence of the Icelandic landscape. "My father was a carpenter and architect, so I grew in a creative home, always drawing. When I was six years old, he taught me to knit and later made me a weaving frame as a teenager," she says. Today, Ólöf uses card weaving in her work, an ancient craft that is practised across the world. "This technique opens the door to so many opportunities. Even after many years of working with it, I still find it amazing!" she explains. Ólöf's pieces are heavily influenced by the wildness of her landscape, where volcanic activity is a very real part of life. This active environment inspires her and gives energy to her practice.
INTERVIEW
Although I initially planned on studying ceramics at art school, I was very interested in the world of textiles. I was around 20 when I saw a big exhibition of tapestries from Nordic countries and completely fell in love with the art form.
While living in a small apartment, I took up card weaving because it required very little space. A mistake led me to develop the unique technique I use today. Now, I am pushing this ancient craft beyond its traditional boundaries, giving it a fresh perspective.
I really enjoy working with natural fibres, such as linen, which is not native to Iceland. Horse hair is really important to my work, as it gives my pieces their distinctive lines. It is almost like drawing with thread. I also use sisal threads for bold colour.
My sister Sigrún and I make glass and textile sculptures. When she and her husband Søren S. Larsen set up a glass studio, I started working there, too. Although I was the younger sister, spending time working and talking together led us to organically create collaborative art.
Ólöf Einarsdóttir
Textile sculptor
Reykjavík, Iceland
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Reykjavík, Iceland
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
Icelandic, English, Danish
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