Judi Lund Finderup: Art is a major part of my life. It’s a way of being in the world.
I see all the layers in my surroundings – how light and darkness transform the appearance of everything, creating a new atmosphere. This is combined with layers of associations and the clear, intense silence that arises when I succeed in being fully present. My life is an ever-changing collage. I practice not clinging to life and people, as it brings suffering, as the Buddhists say. Everything is change. I continuously practice seeing the beauty of impermanence – it slips away if I’m not open-eyed.
During periods when I don’t paint much and focus more on thoughts and practicalities, my mind becomes heavy. Creating art and sharing it with others feels like a necessity, a task I’ve been given. Art has the ability to activate parts of the mind and soul that are difficult to reach in a busy daily life – both for the artist and for those who experience the art. Art can give us moments where we connect with our soul, where we become part of something greater. Art can be part of our everyday lives. It doesn’t have to be something we only experience in galleries or museums, though that can also be wonderful.
I prefer painting on paper. There’s something about the texture that feels satisfying to work with. I like how the paper comes alive and warps a little when it’s been in contact with water and acrylic. In my workshop/studio, I have a large table where I work with sheets of paper measuring 100 cm x 70 cm. I also have a wall I’ve turned into a large pinboard, where I can hang my works at various stages. When a piece is finished, I leave the pinholes in the paper as a conscious choice. It adds life.
CV and work experience
I hold a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Copenhagen and have worked as an art educator for many years, both at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and for four years at the National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) in Copenhagen.
I am also trained as an adult educator, and my great passion is teaching art and creativity, with a focus on the process. This creates a free space where we can grow as individuals. Additionally, I have worked for several years as an instructor for people with mental health challenges, including at the Outsider Association, the House of Mental Health in Copenhagen, and the Copenhagen Municipality.
I am a visual artist with training in both visual and textile arts. I have many years of experience in painting, drawing, and creating art from various materials. My creative source is endless; it’s like an open channel for the universal ideas that flow through me.
I also work as a stylist for TV presenters on TV2 (and several TV2 regional stations) and as a freelance stylist for Magasinet Liv.
My approach to art and styling is closely connected. It’s about being present, observing, listening, and being precise with form, color, and expression.
