The River of Silence Painting

On October 13, 1963 in the small village of Siljan, Norway, Tore Hogstvedt was born. From an early age, he enjoyed his pristine and simple home town, drawing and painting to pass the time as many other children do. Noticing his abilities, Tore's teachers encouraged his talent and repeatedly reinforced that some day he could became a famous painter. At age 12, a painter from Porsgrunn began mentoring young Tore. After several years of guidance, Jøntvedt's death brought Tore's pass-time to a screaming halt. Frustrated because he was unable to further develop his artistic abilities, he put down his brushes. At 18, Tore considered becoming a priest and began an intensive study of Theology. Never regretting his choice and after 4 years of studying religious truth and the rational inquiry into religious questions, he finished his theological studies and received his first assignment as a pastor and preacher. That same year in 1986 while on holiday, Tore's life made a dramatic turn. On the Greek Island of Aegina outside Athens, he experienced love at first sight. Tore decided to leave the priesthood and married his French love Meriem in 1989 and had two sons. In 1995, Meriem insisted that Tore start painting again. Now energized, he dusted off his brushes and headed out doors reigniting his passion for nature. He filled their apartment walls with colorful landscapes while Meriem secured his first exhibition. Today, Hogstvedt works daily from the window filled studio in his home and his backyard that provides a 360° sweeping undeveloped picturesque backdrop that Norway is known for. With the support of his wife, Tore Hogstvedt has painted a path for himself with enough light and colour to grab the attention of Norwegian, European, Canadian and American collectors.