The Artist and Illustrator
| "I wish my paintings to bring a soft day-to-day therapy that leads you into the core of your very heart. You may start by focusing on the title of the painting and then, let it slowly expand into that what is You. My paintings support your heart!" |
| Birgitta Hallqvist born in Sweden lives today in Oslo, Norway. She continues the heritage of a long line of Scandinavian artists, as the greatgranddaughter of the Danish born artist and marine painter Christian Frederick Emil Eckardt that also became uncle and the mentor of the young artist and illustrator Johannes Larsen. |
| Johannes Larsen came to marry Alhed Warberg and settled at Møllebacken in Kerteminde, on the Isle Fyn in Denmark. At times they also inhabited the beautiful mansions – Lilla Høljeryd and Boxhult in Småland, Sweden, were they experienced profound peace and inspiration close to the wonderful nature. This part of Sweden was also the origin to the Swedish immigrants to the United States. Christian Eckardt came to live the later part of his life in Småland at the mansion Stora Høljeryd. next to Stora Strømhult mansion were his beloved daughter Maria settled with here husband and children. Eckardt and Larsen formed together with some additional painting couples, a group of artists which were active in Denmark contemporary with “the Skagen painters”. |
| As the Skagen painters, the wifes of the Funbo painters also had their own artistic expressions. They were strong women who gave and received inspiration through the interaction with their families and one another. And nevertheless through the surrounding nature and the light reflected by it. Birgitta continues that tradition of strong creative women... |
| Stora Strømhult mansion was the place where my grandmother grew up. I cherish the magical days I spent there with her as a little girl. For me she was love. In year 2005 I was given the opportunity to reconnect to my Danish/Swedish roots. This aroused in me, in a most wonderful way, a reinforcement of my creative energy. The energy that inspires me through beautiful visions of words and images and brings me joy! This joy reveals the path to the very core of my heart. Through my creativity I transform all kind of emotions - into pure light! |
| During the summer 2005 I had the honour to exhibit my paintings at the Johannes Larsen Museum in Kerteminde at Fyn. Johannes Larsen was the original illustrator of H.C Andersen's book for children and grown-ups, "The ugly Duckling". To experience my own paintings next to his originals became for me an adventure in itself. Especially as the year 2005 was the H.C Andersen Jubilee worldwide! |
| Parts of my exhibition was in autumn transferred to a number of treatment centres in Denmark, related to children and grown-ups in need of healing. At Thora Center, Copenhague, psychologist Bodil Dichow included my paintings in the treatment of her clients - with a result that warmth by heart! |
| In addition my paintings were presented at - the inauguration of the Birth-Clinic at Ullevål Hospital in Oslo. - the Department for children with Heart- and Cancer-disease, Ullevål. - the school connected to Ullevål - the Chapel at Ullevål Birth-Clinic - PASCAL' s Restaurant, Oslo - an arrangement for families with children. - the Deichmanske Library, Oslo - numerous places for healing and resource building |
| Home | Biography | The Therapist | The Author | Exhibitions | Gallery |