creative highlight
from our community
ELISABETH GROTTE
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My name is Elisabeth Grøtte, and I live on a beautiful island outside of Stavanger in Norway. I love the ocean and nature around me. The calm of living in a green oasis is balm to the soul. I've been proud to work as a registered nurse for about 15 years. An occupation that is close to my heart! I am married with two wonderful children (who are children no longer). I'm above average fond of animals, and probably should be living on a farm. I just want to translate the name of my business, Elisabeths Gylne Pensel. In English it is Elisabeths golden brush. I chose this name after God showed me he would anoint the brush with his oil. So it is not only about the painting, but about the oil and shining in between the brushstrokes.
Instagram: @elisabeths_gylne_pensel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisabethgrottekunst/
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.elisabethsgylnepensel.com/
Instagram: @elisabeths_gylne_pensel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisabethgrottekunst/
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.elisabethsgylnepensel.com/
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Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
Around 1.5 year ago, a desperate longing started to take shape in my heart. In my heart I could see all those paintings and amazing colors. I prayed earnestly that God would grant me the ability to paint. The prayer was, ”God you have to give me this gift or I will die.” It was a rather desperate and intense feeling. Quite strange. I have never before been particularly interested in any form of art, nor in painting. It was as if this longing had been placed there. More specifically, I wanted to convey through painting what God wanted to say to people. I wanted people to meet the Heart of God through my art.
When I, in the beginning of January 2019, got out an old paint kit my daughter had laying around, unopened, in a cupboard, I was taken aback by what took shape before my eyes. I had created a small boy holding a sailboat, and he seemed so alive. I started to cry as I realized there and then that God had answered my prayer.
It has been a magical journey. Often I am shown very specifically what to paint in images and in words.
I am not sure where this journey will eventually lead, but I am happy because I feel that I am part of some larger plan that God has.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
It did not really strike me that anyone would actually want to buy my art. When people contacted me to buy, it was an amazing and strange feeling. Art is really the language of the heart. It speaks beyond words. It slides through every mind fence. Obviously, a part of my heart is left in the art, so the feeling is special when the art is sold.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don’t find themselves in a creative background or field? Life family/friends/strangers?
I think most people look at art more like a hobby, not a way to make a living. That mindset is what I meet some times, but often people are intrigued and fascinated.
Around 1.5 year ago, a desperate longing started to take shape in my heart. In my heart I could see all those paintings and amazing colors. I prayed earnestly that God would grant me the ability to paint. The prayer was, ”God you have to give me this gift or I will die.” It was a rather desperate and intense feeling. Quite strange. I have never before been particularly interested in any form of art, nor in painting. It was as if this longing had been placed there. More specifically, I wanted to convey through painting what God wanted to say to people. I wanted people to meet the Heart of God through my art.
When I, in the beginning of January 2019, got out an old paint kit my daughter had laying around, unopened, in a cupboard, I was taken aback by what took shape before my eyes. I had created a small boy holding a sailboat, and he seemed so alive. I started to cry as I realized there and then that God had answered my prayer.
It has been a magical journey. Often I am shown very specifically what to paint in images and in words.
I am not sure where this journey will eventually lead, but I am happy because I feel that I am part of some larger plan that God has.
Did you ever think you’d be selling your art, or teaching art?
It did not really strike me that anyone would actually want to buy my art. When people contacted me to buy, it was an amazing and strange feeling. Art is really the language of the heart. It speaks beyond words. It slides through every mind fence. Obviously, a part of my heart is left in the art, so the feeling is special when the art is sold.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don’t find themselves in a creative background or field? Life family/friends/strangers?
I think most people look at art more like a hobby, not a way to make a living. That mindset is what I meet some times, but often people are intrigued and fascinated.
How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
I love the time while creating, because I do it together with Jesus. I ask Him what he has on his heart, what he wants me to paint and write. Sometimes this comes about piece by piece, like a puzzle. I think the Lord does this to make us seek deeper into the things he is revealing. Other times, he gives it to me very clear, both the painting and the deeper meaning.
When I now think back on my life, I can see the path he has led me to where I am today. From my teenage years I have spent much time listening to his voice. Writing bags full of notes and letters from God. My passion has been to hear his voice clearer and deeper. It all comes together so perfect and fulfilling to be able to paint what I hear and see in the spirit.
The most precious and wonderful part is when people tell me how the art touches their heart, and they encounter the heavenlies. That is what this is all about, to make a bridge where people can experience the atmosphere of Heaven.
God showed me this in a vision one day. He came in the room with a scroll under his arm and a book in the other hand. He laid it on the table and I could see a river all through this scroll. It appeared to be more like a map. On one side of the river was a dry land, with no vegetation. On the other side a green oasis of a landscape. Suddenly I could see bridges appearing from the desert side to the green overflowing land. Jesus looked at me and smiled. This is your task - to make bridges for people to encounter Heaven and me through your art and words. He opened the book and it was full of beautiful paintings and words. I asked, "Lord what are these?" This is paintings and words to be delivered to you.
This was a powerful encounter that really showed me the importance of what we do. We are building bridges for the King, so people can encounter him in this desert land. This is encouraging and precious to have in mind when creating.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
He is calling me to make bridges from earth to heaven, like we all are, with my art and my words. I really hear him calling us closer and deeper into his heart, to really know him. He wants to reveal his heart to us. Give us new ideas and revelations. These are exciting times to be alive. While the world is getting darker, His light is shining brighter. The world needs us to shine bright in a bold and fearless way.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
I think the best words I can say is to be bold and fearless. Dear to step out of the boat and fix your eyes on Jesus. He will make you walk on water and thrive. Trust he will lead you! Know you are ordained by God to bring heaven on earth with your art.
I love the time while creating, because I do it together with Jesus. I ask Him what he has on his heart, what he wants me to paint and write. Sometimes this comes about piece by piece, like a puzzle. I think the Lord does this to make us seek deeper into the things he is revealing. Other times, he gives it to me very clear, both the painting and the deeper meaning.
When I now think back on my life, I can see the path he has led me to where I am today. From my teenage years I have spent much time listening to his voice. Writing bags full of notes and letters from God. My passion has been to hear his voice clearer and deeper. It all comes together so perfect and fulfilling to be able to paint what I hear and see in the spirit.
The most precious and wonderful part is when people tell me how the art touches their heart, and they encounter the heavenlies. That is what this is all about, to make a bridge where people can experience the atmosphere of Heaven.
God showed me this in a vision one day. He came in the room with a scroll under his arm and a book in the other hand. He laid it on the table and I could see a river all through this scroll. It appeared to be more like a map. On one side of the river was a dry land, with no vegetation. On the other side a green oasis of a landscape. Suddenly I could see bridges appearing from the desert side to the green overflowing land. Jesus looked at me and smiled. This is your task - to make bridges for people to encounter Heaven and me through your art and words. He opened the book and it was full of beautiful paintings and words. I asked, "Lord what are these?" This is paintings and words to be delivered to you.
This was a powerful encounter that really showed me the importance of what we do. We are building bridges for the King, so people can encounter him in this desert land. This is encouraging and precious to have in mind when creating.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
He is calling me to make bridges from earth to heaven, like we all are, with my art and my words. I really hear him calling us closer and deeper into his heart, to really know him. He wants to reveal his heart to us. Give us new ideas and revelations. These are exciting times to be alive. While the world is getting darker, His light is shining brighter. The world needs us to shine bright in a bold and fearless way.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
I think the best words I can say is to be bold and fearless. Dear to step out of the boat and fix your eyes on Jesus. He will make you walk on water and thrive. Trust he will lead you! Know you are ordained by God to bring heaven on earth with your art.