Home is where I am
I was born and brought up in Denmark, studied in Denmark, Austria and the UK, made England my home for twenty years and will soon begin life in France.
Better late than never
At the very late age of sixteen I had a trial lesson in violin and loved it. From that moment, the violin and I became inseparable. I practised day and night, attended music academy in Denmark, studied in Vienna and finally graduated in 1989. Exam paper in hand, I moved to London to marry.
Sabbatical verbs
Discovering that life as a musician in London was anything but rosy – there were fifty budding Paganini’s to every possible job – and hoping at some point to start a family, I began to think the unthinkable. Could I possibly put the violin back in its case and leave the world of music behind? I decided to clear my mind by taking a ‘sabbatical’ at the Institut Français in London, enrolling on a full-time course in French. As sabbaticals go, it was rather intense – the French are keen on their contrôles – but it was a luxury to be able to immerse myself entirely in the study of a language.
Tangible textiles
After the year at the Institut Français it was time to decide. Should I return to music or embark on a new education? I chose the latter and as I had always enjoyed working with fabrics, I took an Art Foundation course followed by a degree from Chelsea College of Art & Design in printed textiles. I had a wonderful time there. We were taught how to draw, to print, to design and to transform impressions into ideas. As the college had close ties to the textile industry, I soon began selling my designs while still a student.
Creativity has many facets
Many people have asked how I could leave music and change career so completely but I don’t see it as a radical departure. Music is creative as is textile printing. Only the medium is different.
Moving to the countryside
After college, I ran a textile agency until the arrival of our second child which made travelling difficult. With a growing family, I longed for a garden and green fields so we decided to leave London. What a change this was. Moving from Denmark to London twelve years earlier was one thing; moving from London into ‘real England’ was altogether different. I will always remember the kind man in a shop in Thame, who, when it was our turn to pay, asked for five pounds and then helpfully inquired – ‘Do you know pounds’? And so we began from scratch again.
The beauty of Oxfordshire.
I was entranced by my surroundings. Wherever I turned there was beauty: fine manor houses with rose walks and ha-has and charming cottages with delightful country gardens. There was timelessness and history and loveliness all around. I was instantly smitten. Nine years down the line have done little to dampen my enthusiasm. While I used to think British villages the most attractive in the world I now know they are.
A book in the making
When I wasn’t negotiating my way around gaping holes in the floor, choosing paint, wall paper, sockets, hooks and generally organising the restoration of our new home I escaped into the garden or took a walk along the Thames to have a break from the mayhem. I was captivated by the beauty. There were perfect ‘motifs’ everywhere and the idea of a book began to take shape. I decided to use the beauty of nature and the architecture around me as my inspiration for design, seasonal recipes and gardening. And that’s how SEASONS came about.
SEASONS – an inspirational journey
The book was first published in Denmark where it received an award for design and presentation and sold well. Soon afterwards, it was published in Germany where it also ended up on the bestseller list. I then began writing articles for various magazines using my own photographs. I always intended to produce an English version of Seasons but it has taken a little time as it has required an extensive rewrite for a British readership. The British don’t need me to explain customs they know only too well. My English SEASONS is now a reality.
The future
My next project concerns a nineteenth century remedy book. I came across the manuscript at a local antiques shop some time ago and was instantly intrigued: page after page with home remedies for everything from keeping boots dry to curing cholera. A veritable ‘fly-on-the-wall‘ account of everyday life in Britain two hundred years ago. Fascinating.
Music
And my music? My love of classical music has never diminished. I still enjoy playing chamber music and for many years now I have been involved with Oxford Philomusica, headed by Marios Papadopoulos.
