Recently spoke with the Dutch art publication Sofa about art and acting.
In today's Stories, Danish actress and fine artist Liv Hansen discusses her approach to creativity, and her work as an actress, painter, and illustrator, and shares advice for emerging artists.
Sofa: Hi Liv, thank you for joining us today. Your work as an actress and fine artist is truly inspiring. Can you tell us a bit about your creative process?
Liv Hansen: Thank you for having me. My creative process is deeply personal and intuitive. As an artist, I draw on a wide range of influences, from my Danish heritage to the works of artists, thinkers, and filmmakers from around the world. But ultimately, creativity for me is about tapping into something deep within myself, something that I can't always put into words. It's a kind of alchemy, a process of turning my own experiences and emotions into something that others can connect with.
Sofa: It sounds like you have a strong connection to your Danish heritage. Can you tell us more about how that influences your work?
Liv Hansen: Growing up in Denmark, I was surrounded by a rich culture of storytelling and visual art. My parents are both artistic. My father was a very talented musician and I spent much of my childhood exploring the galleries and museums of Copenhagen thanks to my mom and her interest in various aspects of art and theatre. This early exposure to the arts I think deeply influenced my own creative journey. My work is often infused with a sense of Scandinavian minimalism and simplicity, as well as what I guess you could call a reverence for nature and the natural world.
Sofa: That's really interesting. Can you give us an example of how your Danish heritage has influenced a specific piece of your work?
Liv Hansen: Sure. I recently finished a mixed-media piece titled, "Winter in Dragør". Dragør is a beautiful part of Amager in Copenhagen with old traditional yellow houses. Beautiful all year round. I am a huge fan of most things vintage, films, clothing, etc and I always feel the history walking in this part of town, so I'm working on a few Dragør inspired pieces.
Sofa: Talk a little about your work as a Danish actress working abroad. How do you approach your roles and bring them to life on stage or screen?
Liv Hansen: For me, acting is about empathy and connection. I mean, acting is many things, but those are important elements. I try to put myself in the shoes of the character I'm portraying, to really understand their motivations and emotions. I also tend to draw on my own experiences and emotions to bring a sense of authenticity to the role. Ultimately, my goal is to create a performance that is truthful and emotionally resonant.
Sofa: I love that. What advice do you have for other artists who are trying to find their own creative voice?
Liv Hansen: My advice would be to trust yourself. Believe in your own instincts and your own vision, and don't be afraid to take risks. Creativity is about pushing boundaries and exploring new territory, so don't be afraid to let your own unique voice shine through. And remember, inspiration can come from anywhere, so always be open to new ideas and perspectives.
Sofa: That's great advice, Liv. Can you tell us more about your creative journey? When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career as an artist and actress?
Liv Hansen: I've always been drawn to the arts. As I mentioned earlier, my parents were both artists in their own way, so I grew up surrounded by creativity. I started doing theater at a young age, performing in local theater productions, and later became involved in theater and music in high school. I also studied acting for a while out in Los Angeles, at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Interviewer: How did your training at The Lee Strasberg Institute shape your approach to acting?
Liv Hansen: The training was so inspiring. A great learning experience. We studied everything from Shakespeare to contemporary theater and explored Method Acting exercises and techniques.
Sofa: Your work spans both visual art and performance. How do you balance these two passions in your life?
Liv Hansen: For me, they're both different expressions of the same creative impulse. When I'm painting or drawing, I'm focused on exploring the visual world, on capturing a sense of light and texture, and mood. When I'm acting, I'm exploring the emotional world of the character, wishing to create a performance that feels authentic and truthful. They're both challenging and rewarding in different ways, and I feel very lucky to be able to pursue both.
Sofa: Your work transcends borders. How do you think your identity as a Danish artist has influenced your reception and your career?
Liv Hansen: I think being a Danish actress living abroad has given me a unique perspective in many ways. I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to perform in many different countries and look forward to more beautiful adventures in the future.
Sofa: What's next for you? What projects are you currently working on?
Liv Hansen: I'm always working on new projects, both as an artist and an actress. I recently started offering prints of my work and would like to make more original pieces inspired by North America. I went to high school in Northern California in an area surrounded by the Klamath River. It's a beautiful mountain landscape that I'm always inspired by. I'm also working on a couple of feature films in London and am working on opportunities to do more work in Denmark.
Sofa: Amazing! Thank you so much for your time today, Liv.
Liv Hansen: It's been a pleasure, thank you.