Inner and outer landscapes
Bente Odegard never set out to become an artist; the path found her, quite unexpectedly. What began as a personal exploration has unfolded into a transformative journey, with each canvas offering a new invitation to explore, reflect, and connect inwardly - supported by the professional and heartfelt guidance of the Milan Art Institute.
Her journey as an artist follows years of working as a therapist and healer - an experience she feels enriches both her creative process and the lives of those who collect her work. Just as words can heal, she believes paintings can too: “When someone connects emotionally with one of my paintings, it becomes a healing and transformative experience.”
Her paintings move effortlessly between the real, the surreal, and the abstract, reflecting a deep curiosity for the mysteries that lie within and beyond. Working with both oil and mixed media elements, she allows each piece to unfold intuitively - guided more by energy than by strict planning. Her art invites the viewer to pause, to feel, and to connect, not only with the work itself but also with the deeper layers of their own being. It’s a call to explore, with an open heart.
“Growing up on the west coast of Norway, surrounded by magical fjords and the endless horizon of the open sea, I discovered early symbols of freedom and vast possibility.”
The recurring presence of mountain and seascapes in Bente’s work is thus no coincidence. Mountains reach upward, symbolizing the soul’s longing for the divine. Oceans, vast and ever-changing, represent the world of emotions. In their meeting, we find transformation - a portal to our true self.
Where the path will lead her next remains a mystery - both to her and to those who follow her journey. In her work, she continues to explore a passion for shapes and colors, from nature and beyond. A subtle voice within reminds her of a long-standing love for architecture, hinting that urban landscapes may soon find their way into her paintings.
Bente works from her studio in Basel, Switzerland, alongside an art-therapist friend, in a welcoming and nourishing space dedicated to creativity and growth.
Signature style elements
LAYERS. In each painting, layers unfold through texture, symbolism, and emotion. A combination of ink, acrylics, collage, and oil builds visual depth and invites interpretation.
NOTES. A signature element in many of the works is the use of Gregorian chant notation - sacred fragments from ancient musical manuscripts that invite reflection and deeper resonance with the soul. The specific chant used speaks of resurrection and rebirth, reinforcing the underlying theme of transformation throughout the work.
WINDOWS. In some pieces, abstract windows are carved out to reveal glimpses of the layers beneath - symbolic of our inner world. This process of uncovering and revealing mirrors the unfolding nature of spiritual growth and self-discovery.