Camilla Fransrud The Language of Light and Silence

Art often speaks in silences, through the untranslatable presence of light, the rhythm of seasons, and the intimacy of memory. For Norwegian artist Camilla Fransrud, these silences are where her work begins. Born in Oslo and shaped by the elemental drama of the Nordic landscape, her creative journey has unfolded outside of conventional routes. A self-taught painter and photographer, she draws upon the visual language of light, water, and layered textures to create pieces that feel less observed than experienced. Her practice is not only aesthetic but deeply cultural, rooted in the rituals of family, the inheritance of Nordic stillness, and the belief that art is a bridge between people.

In this conversation with Cultural Dose, Camilla reflects on the forces that have shaped her work—from her grandfather’s early influence and her first experiments with photography, to the enduring impact of Norway’s landscapes and the ethereal Northern light. She speaks candidly about trust, vulnerability, and intuition as central to her journey, and offers rare insight into how painting, poetry, and therapeutic practice come together as a single vision: art as connection, healing, and continuity.

You were born in Oslo, but it seems the essence of your identity as an artist began forming you well before you ever picked up a brush. What do you remember most vividly about your early surrounding’s, and how have those memories shaped the way you see the world now.?

Growing up by The Oslofjord surrounded by the sea`s rythms and the ever -changing light has left a incredible mark on me .My Grandfather,(I grew up at my grandparents in my early days) ,who was the world to me shared with me his love for the Arts .Like The Opera, Theatre ,The library ,movies and art Museums.

We spent our summer holidays at Hvasser and Fuglevik by the sea and enjoyed the the warm sunny days, with long swims, talks by the water, reading, boardgames, nature walks and those early experiences taught me to see the world as a canvas of stories just waiting to be told .

My Grandfathers love for the Arts and literature showed me that beauty can be found in the mundane and that every moment holds the potential for depth and meaning.

The connection to nature and arts has been a constant source of inspiration guiding my creative journey and how I look at the world today -The world is a symphony of moments -each one as a note in the melody of life and as a poem written in the ink of experience that shapes the story of us.

You spent much of your youth capturing images rather than painting them. Do you recall what first drew you to the camera-and was there a moment when you realized it was more than just a childhood fascination?

Photography was my first love -I was drawn to the camera´s ability to capture the fleeting moments that often go unnoticed and I remember being fascinated by the way a single frame could freeze time, telling a story so universal and personal at the same time. I think that is when I realized that photography told stories that words could not, and my childhood fascination shifted into passion.

I recall a special moment when I photographed the waves & Sunset at Hvasser -when the light danced across the water ,the movement of the waves ,it was like trying to bottle up the essence of a moment when I knew instantly  that  this is  more than just fascination, this is me -I need to try to capture the rhythm of the world ,preserving emotions and freeze life in a frame so the whispering light leaves eternal imprint of the soul

How did your upbringing in Norway -it`s pace, it`s silence, it`s seasons impact your creative vocabulary as both a photographer and a painter?

In my upbringing I was enveloped by Norway’s rugged beauty and shifting seasons and this has been a constant source of inspiration. The dramatic light from soft whispers of winters snow to the golden kisses of summers warmth has shaped my artistic voice. Its landscapes have sculptured my creative vocabulary -with a quiet introspection and the beauty of contrasts -where the silence and wildness, softness and intensity coexist. I think as a painter it has influenced my brushstrokes to be bold and expressive with textures that evoke the rugged terrain and sweeping skies. The play of light on the snow and water has inspired me to also have delicate whispery strokes and taught me to create depth and and luminosity on the canvas when I am adding extra layers.

As a photographer my language is poetic capturing the ethereal beauty of this Nordic landscape trough soft focus, muted tones and evocative composition’s that evoke   a sense of wonder and contemplation.

Your journey is self -taught, deeply personal, and spiritually intuitive. What gave you the confidence to trust your instincts rather than follow a traditional art school path?

I have never felt the need to follow a traditional art school plan because my creative journey is deeply personal and intuitive. For me both photography and painting have always been about tapping into the essence of a moment or a feeling.

I think that My grandfathers unwavering trust in me has been a cornerstone of my confidence, giving me the courage to pursue my passion and my instincts. His love has been my anchor my whole life.

I have also learned to listen to my inner voice and let it guide me and that taking risks  have given me so much strength to walk this artistic journey I am on -the more I create ,the more I realize that the art pieces  that resonate most with me comes from a place of honesty from within and a vulnerability ,and that I think can no school program teach me .

Your transition from photography to painting seems less like a pivot and more like an evolution. What pushed you to cross that boundary -and do you feel photography still lingers in your painting today?

I think of my transition from photography to painting as a natural unfolding .It was less about leaving one medium behind  and more about embracing the possibilities of another .I found that photography captured the world with precision ,but painting allowed me to capture the essence of it -the mood ,the feeling ,the soul…Photography’s  influence  is still woven into the fabric of my paintings .You can see it in a way I frame a scene ,the way the light dances across the canvas  and the textures that bring the work alive .Painting has allowed me to distill the elements into something more abstract and emotive .You might say that the photography is the foundation ,while the painting  is the voice that brings it to life .

Your work is often described as a sensory experience -felt, not just seen. Where does that desire to connect with people on a physical and emotional level come from?

I truly want to connect with people because as its core. Art is a form of shared human experience. I believe that trough my work, I can touch on universal emotions and moments that transcend individual experiences creating a sense of understanding and empathy between us. It is a way of saying -you are not alone in how you feel, and I am offering a moment of connection in a world that often feels fragmented. I want to connect with people because it is a fundamental human need -to be seen, heard and understood.

You´ve spoken about the influence of light in your work -particularly the distant Northen light from Norway. What is it about that quality of light that feels so vital to your artistic language?

The Nordic light is like lifeblood to me. There is something ethereal and otherworldly  about it -The way the light filters through the mist, the way it dances across the landscapes and snow  and the way it seems to hold a thousand subtle hues and moods .It is a light that feels almost palpable ,like you can reach out and touch it .For me personal the light is more than just a visual phenomenon-it is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life ,the beauty of the unknown  and the power of the natural world. It is a reminder that there is still so much that is mysterious and uncontrollable and that what makes it so compelling to capture on canvas, to preserve the magic moment that might otherwise vanish.

You work with layered materials -acrylic, chalk, sand, ink. When do you know a piece is finished? Or is it more about when it stops asking questions?

A good question, for me a piece is finished when the layers stop whispering secrets and starts telling a story. It is a moment of surrender when the artwork transcends my intensions and becomes its own entity. Sometimes it is about resolution, other times is about embracing the unknown. I will put in this way -it not so much about to put to the end the questions, but rather when the artwork itself starts asking the right ones.

And I have learned a vital skill, to listen. I do not force the narrative -I let the artwork reveal her story of her own. When a piece feels distilled it resonates with authenticity.

And when I touches the canvas with my fingertips, and the layers feels right, I know my work is finished.

You`ve exhibited your work across Europe and the Philippines’, yet your tone remains deeply Nordic. How do you maintain that quiet Centre while presenting to international audience?

The quiet center is a part of who I am as an artist and who I am in general. I find that the Nordic tone in my work is sustained by my connection to the light and the land where I grew up.

Even when I am exhibiting internationally  my art carries the stillness  and clarity of the Nordic perspective .It is not about adapting to different audiences ,but staying true to my own voice and vision .This is me ,I carry me and reveals myself trough the canvas ,and you can find this voice of me in my work regardless of where it is being presented.

You´re now represented by Galleria Tilde in Palermo and have become a recognizable name across the global art platforms. what has been the most surprising or affirming moment of your career so far?

Answer to this question-The most affirming moment of my career so far has been that I have had the opportunity  to showcase my work on a international stage trough Galleria Tilde and other galleries and curators like Bisa Bennet ,Monica Ferrarini etc that I have worked with .Seeing that my art resonate with audience from Palermo to Paris and knowing that my pieces are being appreciated and collected by people from different cultures and ,backgrounds has truly been validating .It is a reminder that art can transcend borders and speak to something universal in people .

But one moment that stands out was when a lovely couple purchased two of my paintings at an exhibition in Shoreditch in London. What touched me deeply was when they shared with me that my art was a tribute to their love for each other -that they fell in love with my art because it spoke to their relationship .That was both affirming and a little surprising .It was a beautiful reminder that art can be a reflection of personal connections and emotions, and that my work can touches people’s lives in ways I never imagined

There´s a mention of a forthcoming poetry collection and the idea of opening a therapeutic art Centre. How do those creative branches connect to the core of who you are as an artist?

My upcoming poetry collection and the therapeutic Centre are deeply intertwined with my artistic vision .They are both rooted in my passion for exploring  the human experience -the complexities ,the vulnerabilities and the moments of beauty .Trough my art  I aim to create a sense of connections and understanding ,to tap into the emotions that make us human. The poetry book, the writing allows me to distill my thoughts and emotions into precise evocative language - while the Therapeutic Centre offers a space for others to do the same. It is about creating a safe -nurturing environment where people can express themselves freely without judgment - and find healing, growth and connection with others in the process.

For me Art is not just about creating something beautiful -I want to create a bridge between people -a sense of community and shared understanding.

These projects are an extension of that vision, and I am excited to see how they will evolve, and touch people lives. Ultimately these creative branches -poetry and therapeutic art are not separated from my artistic identity, they are integral to it. They reflect my commitment to exploring the depths of human experience and my belief in the transformation power of art.

Twenty years from now, if someone stands before one of your pieces in a gallery -whether in Rome, Trondheim or somewhere unexpected -what do you hope they feel in that moment?

I think if someone stands in front of one of my pieces, twenty years ahead, I hope that they feel seen-that their own story, emotions or experiences are reflected back at them. I hope that my art resonates deeply, evoking a sense of connection, introspection, or perhaps even catharsis. Maybe they will take a pause from the world, breathe and feel understood in a way that transcends words.

That is the true power of art -to touch hearts and mind across time and space to leave a lasting imprint on the soul. I hope they feel that.

Camilla Fransrud’s story is one of quiet persistence and profound resonance. Her art, layered with materials and memory, translates the Nordic experience into a universal language of light, silence, and human connection. From the Oslofjord of her childhood to galleries in London, Palermo and beyond, her voice remains distinct—anchored by authenticity and a belief that creativity is inseparable from life itself. As Cultural Dose’s Autumn 2025 cover feature, Fransrud reminds us that art is not only to be looked at but to be felt, a living reminder that even fleeting moments can leave an eternal imprint on the soul.