The All Aglow Collection: Exploring the joy in contrast
The Nordic concept of “Hygge” has intrigued me since I first heard the term. The word translates to something akin to “cozy” in Norwegian and Danish, and in case you’re not already fluent in your Nordic languages, it can be summed up by creating a warm, cozy atmosphere to enjoy the good things in life with good people. As the days darkened and winter started to set in, I thought it might be wise to look again to the countries that are among the darkest and coldest, but consistently rank as the happiest in the World Happiness Report in spite of the cold and darkness. I picked up a copy of “My Hygge Home” leading up to the holiday season as a way to refresh some of the concepts surrounding “hygge” that I already knew, and to learn a bit more.
Wild Blue, 30” x 30”
At the heart of the “hygge” concept is the power we hold in creating our own light. Another way I like to think about this is creating contrast—like a warm glow shining through a dark, cloudy storm. To create a hygge home, you can start with making your own light through the use of cozy fireplaces, candles and white twinkle lights. You can set up an inviting space with soft textures and warm beverages to make getting together with friends and loved ones all the more enjoyable. And you can be sure there’s always an extra place at the table to welcome another friend.
Blanketed, 15” x 30”
While curating an inviting indoor space is one of the most important aspects of hygge, another companion to the concept is to getting outside to enjoy the weather whenever possible—even on the not-so-nice days. To have a truly “hyggelig” day, it’s important to soak in the daylight whenever it’s available (even if the sun is covered over with a blanket of clouds). After all, the feeling of hygge is only amplified if you’re enjoying a warm beverage with friends while you warm rosy cheeks after a wintry adventure of snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, skating, or a peaceful winter walk on a gray, drizzly day.
Luster, 30” x 40”
Throughout the season, my work centered around creating that same “hyggelig” light in wintry landscape pieces. I treasured my own daily outdoor time, which contrasted nicely with my mostly-indoor studio days. On my walks and outside playtime with the kids, I stopped to notice the richness of color that appears when the sun combines with frosty temperatures—creating skies streaked in pastels, periwinkle shadows stretching across the snow, and stunningly warm light coming through dark branches in bursts of pale yellow.
Opening, 24” x 18”
The 9 pieces in The All Aglow Collection encapsulate that thawing, cozy “hygge” feeling that comes during and after a snowy adventure. They’re available now—click here to view all the details!
Which piece is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!