MUNTHE ART MONDAY: Josefine Winding

Name: Josefine Winding
Profession: Skulptør
Website: josefinewinding.com
Instagram: @josefine_winding

Please tell us about yourself and what you do.

My name is Josefine and I am a sculptor. I have a degree from the art school Spectrum and recently I have made a permanent collaboration with Gallery Arden Asbæk in Copenhagen. 

My works are three-dimensional and built around a geometric design language. They vary in size from 15 cm up to 200 cm. Structure is essential in my works and the language of idiom is thought non-figuratively. I work in a field of tension between shapes and I seek to achieve a sense of immediacy through a simple, calm idiom. I use asymmetry as a way to give life and vulnerability to my works and I feel that I succeed when I find a balance in asymmetry - when it is at once skewed, special and disturbing and at the same time simple, honest and harmonious.

The tactile is important to me and I want to give my sculptures a surface that you feel like touching. The grainy filler leaves a calm and at the same time rustic expression. I like when you can see that the filler is applied by hand – it gives an experience of presence and humanity, I think.

The meeting between human being and form
I am very inspired by the encounter between human being and abstract shapes, and how abstract shapes can speak in a way to us humans that is not rational or logical - how we use our senses and emotions and to be able to relate to what we are looking at, right here and right now.

Intuition, intimacy and live in the moment feelings are enormously important in my art. Both in my own process and in what I want to create and encourage with my art.

I am still learning to find the right words and description of my work, but I do feel more and more convinced that the energy, calmness, and love through my process can be sensed by others.
That way, I see it as a kind of communication between me and the one, who can feel the spirit that the sculpture is made in. A sensual communication if you will. 

What impact has COVID-19 had on your work?
I have felt incredibly lucky during Corona, because I have been able to work in my atelier where, because I am working by myself have not felt any huge changes with my work life. I have used the studio and my work as a safe place where I could save up new energy. But I can say that not a day goes by that I do not feel for those who are affected by their livelihood. And honestly, I am surprised of how unusually little creativity or innovation there is in the decisions that are made from above.

Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?
I know more female artists than male. In recent years - especially through the art salon - I have met so many wonderful cool female artists who all inspire me. They are deeply different, but common to them is that they are driven by their process, passion, and their desire to show their art to the world. Trine Søndergaard, Ursula Nistrup, Sofie Klerk, Line Busch, Mie Olise, Sofie Aabenuus, Stinne Bo, Tilde Grynnerup and Rikke Bjørn are all women that really inspire me.

What has it that you are a woman, meant for your career?
I have thought a lot about that question, but the thing is, I do not quite know. I just know that my gender never felt like an obstacle. I was raised by independent women and I have taught that I can - and must - do exactly what I want. That I must go with the energy and the passion.  All my adult life I have been surrounded by resourceful, smart, and exciting women.
I have a cand.comm.psych degree and was a consultant in a fantastic company before I decided to let my artist dream become a reality. At Roskilde University I had deeply competent and inspiring female supervisors, and in the consulting firm there were more women than men. All skilled leaders, facilitators, and strategists. After I changed path, most of my acquaintances have been self-employed female stylists, photographers, and business owners.

While I went to art school, for example, I was so lucky to become part of the Art Salon that Anne Aarsland and Mette Helena Rasmussen started at that time. There you can talk about women who follow the energy and create something that has not been seen before in the art world in Denmark. Also, my new collaboration with Arden Asbæk is with a cool woman, Betina Asbæk. 

I am not saying there are no gender equality issues - I know there are. More in some industries than in others. Something that I am personally interested in is how women think about themselves.
In my previous work, I have coached women and made courses for women who are experiencing stress and lack joy in life and passion in everyday life. In fact, I still have a lot on my mind to do away with some of the limiting thoughts and patterns that more women carry around. Many are raised to be 'nice girls', and need followed up on, what was expected of them - instead of doing what they wanted to and have had energy to. They have turned down the contact to intuition and have forgotten what it is like to listen to and act on what they themselves feel like.

In relations to equality, we can start by educating our girls to go for what is fun, exciting and what they are good at. Whatever it is. The same, of course, pleases our boys. Restrictive gender categorizations stink.
A reason why I became an artist, was to take my own medicine. Today, my intuition is my most important tool and my guide in everything I do. 

Each Monday MUNTHE brings you an interview with a female artist. Follow MUNTHE ART MONDAY.