Bente Sandtorv was born and grew up in the coastal town of Bergen in Norway where she is based today. Sandtorv's interest in art started as a child when she watched her artistic mother paint and accompanied her to art exhbitions. Sandtorv was keen to start painting herself, largely as a means of expressing her feelings and thoughts.
Sandtorv works in several different mediums: acrylic, oil, ceramic and pen and ink. She enjoys exploring and experimenting with new materials whether it be pieces of driftwood washed up on the beach or small off cuts of textiles that she adds to her drawings.
Sandtorv's characterful and frequently poignant pen and ink drawings are her everyday philosophies and thoughts; the accompanying titles are a key part of the finished work. The drawings are easy to relate to- they portray everyday emotions whether they be common anxieties or feelings of joy and delight. Often with a touch of humour, Sandtorv's works frequently raise a recognising smile in the viewer. Sandtorv is currently in the process of producing a book of her drawings and poems over which several Norwegian publishers are currently bidding for publishing rights.
Sandtorv has held several exhibitions of her work in her native Norway. We are the first British gallery to represent her.