Semufo, African Series (2006) Printmaking by Inga Torfadottir

Inga Torfadottir was born and raised in Iceland and immigrated to Canada in 1976. After having studied fine arts at Myndlista og Handidaskoli Islands [Icelandic Collage of Art and Design] and Myndlistaskoli Reykjavikur [Reykjavik Collage of Fine Art] she developed a keen interest in working with clay and has been producing fine pottery for over 25 years. As an active member of The Stoneware Studio [and The Stoneware Gallery 1994-2003] she has taught pottery and ceramic art to adults for over 20 years.
Inga has received numerous awards for her work. Her pieces are exhibited and sold throughout Canada and Iceland and held in many public collections such as; Government of Iceland, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Government of Manitoba, National Art Gallery of North Korea, Stangveidifelag Islands and Felag Ungra Sjalfstaedismanna as well as private collections across North America, Europe, Australia, North Korea and China.
In recent years, surface treatment and pictoral expression have become increasingly evident in Inga's work. This has led to her interest in the art of printmaking. In 2001 she became a member of the Manitoba Printmakers Association [Martha Street, Winnipeg]. Presently she is working on a series of prints inspired by the Sagas and the legacy of the Norse Vikings.
Inga has this to say about her work:

"Through printmaking I have found a way to explore the nature of space and time and to seek out the mysterious trails that lead into the subconscious underworld where the ancient Gods of the Vikings still exist.
With my monotypes, I attempt to evoke a mood or a feeling that connects the past with the present through personal interpretation of color, form, texture and light. The images on the copper etchings are more of of a narrative nature, based on mythological themes from the Norse myths as well as visual flashbacks from the time of the Vikings. I sketch my images on paper and develop them on copper plates through several working stages. Drawing on the proofs helps me to examine and evaluate my work so that I may determine the next stage. Working in this way brings me to a deeper understanding of the subject than would be possible with any other medium.
It is my hope that these prints express and reflect some of the passion and excitement that I feel for these mysterious and dramatic times in Europe's historical past."

• Nationality: ICELAND
• Date of birth : 1951
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Icelandic Artists