About me
"Every painting I paint is another step towards releasing the paintings still living in my mind".
Merethe was born and raised in Harstad, and currently living in Tjeldsund municipality with her family. She is a visual artist who works with pencil, charcoal, soft pastel and oil paint. Creative expression has been a big part of her life since childhood, where music and drawing/painting have gone hand in hand. Merethe is a educated Child welfare officer, and has studied Visual arts. Her work practice is a source of inspiration for her art.
"Creativity has always been and always will be the core of who I am, what drives me and how I meet the world".
Throughout childhood and adolescence, drawing was an all-consuming interest, and all the hours spent on this form the basis of her technique today. For a longer period, music took over and became the main focus until she resumed drawing and painting again around 2000. In 2002 she discovered soft pastel as a medium, and she has spent more time developing her technique and skills ever since.
Today she find herself in a landscape where her artistic voice as an artist has become clearer. Nevertheless, Merethe strongly feel that she is on a journey, where new challenges and discoveries constantly appear - a strong driving force. Knowing that art is without limitations and consists of an infinite number of undiscovered paths gives her motivation, inspiration and surplus. There is always a new door to open. It is just the beginning - most of the paintings are not born yet.
Her work has a realistic expression, and the pictures show a fascination for detail. She focuses on contrast in light/shadow, and different textures.
A deeper emotional content is a goal, where composition, palette and theme are the main focus. It is an eternal journey, filled with joy, challenges, frustration and headaches - and every minute is valuable.
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Exhibitions
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2020 Lofoten Summer Exhibition, Sareptas hus Ballstadlandet
2017 Høstutstillingen 2017, ETS Kunstforening, Evenskjer
2014 Juleutstilling, Lofoten Kunstforening
2014 Juleutstilling, Ballstadlandet, Lofoten
2014 Høstutstillingen 2014, ETS Kunstforening, Tjeldsund
2013 Kunst i værret, Ballstad, Lofoten
2013 Separatutstilling på De fire roser, ved Palletten Kunst & Galleri, Harstad
2012 Høstutstillingen 2012, ETS Kunstforening, Tjeldsund
2012 Separatutstilling "Glimt", Ballstad, Lofoten
2012 Separatutstilling "Øyeblikk i farger", Evenskjerdagan, Evenskjer
2011 Juleutstilling Galleri Harstad, Harstad Kunstforening, Harstad
2011 Separatutstilling "Øyeblikk i farger", Galleri 2rom&kjøkken, Kræmmervika
2008 Separatutstilling på Jordbærpikene, Harstad
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Competitions
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2013 Honorable Mention in the 15th Pastel 100 competition with "Preparation", USA
2011 Honorable Mention in the Get Dusty Challenge with "Caught", Pastel Guild of Europe
2011 1st place in the Get Dusty Challenge with "Raw Breakfast", Pastel Guild of Europe
2010 3rd place in Still life i the Best of Wet Canvas competition with "Pears and steel", USA
Illustrations
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2023 Cover CD, Hugo Stokkan
2020 Logo Sandstrand skole
2018 "Ublidublien", barnebok av Ola Kane Jakobsen
2010 "Dans, dans meg tilbake" poesisamling av Greta Jakobsen, illustrert av Merethe Torbergsen
2007 Cover illustration "63 Tele'", Tele Visions, TDPRI, USA
Media mentions
2011 March, The Pastel Scribbler(PGE), "Meet Get Dusty winner Merethe Torbergsen of Norway"
2009 May, The Pastel Scribbler(PGE) "Meet the artist Merethe Torbergsen, Norway
2009 May, The Pastel Scribbler(PGE) Article, "Cherries in a bag - still life demo" by Merethe Torbergsen
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Societies
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2009 The Pastel Guild of Europe (PGE), served on the Board Developing Committee in 2009 and 2010
ETS Kunstforening
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