Inverness
Marina Gjertsen
My work explores the spaces between man-made and natural – where clouds meet concrete, where electric light meets twilight, and asks: what is our place in the world?
Unintentional shapes created by plants, urban sprawl and the light that connects them inform my pieces. Figures are often faceless; they are loved ones, strangers, ghosts. I consider our human impact and current move towards the digital age as part of evolution and explore the blurring boundaries between humans and nature.
I hold a BA(Hons) in Visual Communications from Grays School of Art in Aberdeen, where I explored how our cultures’ religious background affects our individual perceptions of our relationship with the physical Earth. I also hold a BSc in Geography and Computing Science from the University of Glasgow; these studies have given me a solid context for my continuing art practice.
Intrigued by the emerging digital landscape in the early 2000’s, I pursued a career as a Digital Designer in the broadcast industry for 15 years, before returning to the Highlands with my young family. I ran a small guesthouse for five years and worked for Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s National Writing Centre for another four years before securing a place in Inverness Creative Academy, where I now focus primarily on my art practice. I create original pieces in oils and acrylics, produce limited edition giclée prints and run art clubs at local schools.
