The Artist Behind the Art: Trine Lise’s (Zen)Tangled Treasures

For this week’s Meet the Artist Behind the Art series, we are thrilled to introduce the incredibly talented Trine Lise Vollen. Trine is a music teacher and music therapist based in Norway, whose passion for art and creativity shines through her intricate and mesmerizing zentangle drawings. In this feature, Trine shares insights into her artistic journey, and her preferred mediums, and offers valuable advice for aspiring artists.

Trine Lise’s Art Journey

Trine's journey into art began with her love for decorating paper with lines, patterns, and colors. "I have always decorated paper with lines, patterns, and colors," Trine shares.

Her penchant for doodling during meetings at work eventually led her to discover the world of zentangles, a form of meditative drawing. "When I found that these patterns have a name - zentangles, it was easier to find new patterns to draw," Trine explains.

She also expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to test new products through her TikTok account, which has allowed her to explore a wide range of artistic tools.

Inspiration, Colors, and Favorite Medium

Trine's art gravitates towards themes and subjects that are vibrant, colorful, and patterned. "Everything green (lime, olive, and sage), colorful and patterned. I am a green addict!" she admits. Her love for the color green is evident in her stunning artworks, which often feature lush greenery and intricate patterns.

In terms of inspiration, she finds creativity everywhere, both online and offline. Whether it's drawing inspiration from fellow zentangle artists or discovering new color combinations in everyday objects, Trine's creative process is fueled by the beauty and patterns surrounding her. She also enjoys the challenge of taking on new projects, such as her current collaboration with a US pen company.

When asked about her choice of medium, this zentangle enthusiast explains, "I fell into the rabbit hole of fountain pens 8 months ago, and I’m so glad I did! They are good for the environment, and there are so many nibs and inks," she says. 

"For my drawings, I use fountain pens or fine liners. For coloring, I use a variety of markers and watercolors," she says.

The shimmer and sheen of some inks have captivated her, adding an extra layer of allure to her artwork. Additionally, Trine appreciates the even coloring that alcohol markers provide, making them a favorite choice for her coloring process.

Her Advice to Aspiring Artists

For beginners interested in exploring fountain pens, the Norwegian artist recommends investing in a quality pen to avoid issues such as scratchy nibs and frustrating ink accidents. "Quality pens don’t (have these issues)," she advises. As for those delving into alcohol markers, she acknowledges their tendency to bleed but assures aspiring artists that the results are worth it.

Her Zentangle Journey So Far

Reflecting on her artistic journey, Trine shares advice she would give to her younger self. "I use drawing as a de-stressing activity and sometimes anxiety relief," she reveals. Emphasizing the therapeutic nature of art, she encourages others to find solace and joy in their creative pursuits. Despite the demands of managing a popular TikTok account, Trine finds fulfillment in creating daily content and allowing herself the freedom to immerse in hours of drawing.

Trine Lise’s Zen-Tastic Adventure

Trine Lise Vollen's artistry is a testament to the power of creativity as a source of joy, inspiration, and self-expression. Her intricate zentangle drawings and vibrant use of color showcase a deep appreciation for the beauty found in everyday life. As she continues to captivate audiences with her mesmerizing projects, Trine's journey serves as an inspiration for budding artists embarking on their own creative endeavors. Follow her journey and check out more zentangle art from Trine here.

Stay tuned for more inspiring features in Artistry by Altenew's Meet the Artist Behind the Art series as we celebrate the diverse talents of watercolor artists, colorists, fine artists, and budding creatives who enrich our lives with their remarkable artistry.