Paintings and an eclectic mix of furniture live in harmony at an apartment that is both home and studio to Cecilie Hertz and her family
Meet & greet
Cecilie Hertz (visual artist and owner of Atelier Absalon).
The idea behind Atelier Absalon is to present art in home spaces so potential buyers can more easily relate to the works and imagine how they can be a part of a home. Visual artist Cecilie Hertz has always painted, it has always been a part of her being. However, the organic forms she loves to paint come from her research studies, specialising in the immune system. Through this, Cecilie has looked at countless micro-organisms under a microscope and these forms have inspired the works she makes today.
While on maternity leave, Cecilie took the plunge and opened Atelier Absalon, a decision that balances the role of motherhood and businesswoman in the best possible way. It’s a way of life that is working perfectly right now, with a daughter who is two-and-a-half years old. “I will start my PhD later, but right now it’s the most wonderful life, I could dream of,” says Cecilie.
“When I create an art piece, it is a process that takes a long period of time. I hang it up and take it down again until it feels just right. It is difficult to paint such simple organic forms that can harmonise well together.”
Many of Cecilie’s works are blue, and when questioned why, we’re told that the reason is because deep blue is so beautiful and creates a nice contrast in a home.
Cecilie’s husband is an engineer and contractor who originally bought the property his family now lives in for work purposes. The heritage building was once part of an old city museum that housed the administrative department. The couple moved into one of the apartments, and with a new floor plan and utilisation of the lower floor, it’s now the ideal home for a small family. It’s also the most beautiful backdrop for Cecilie’s art and studio space.
Everything in the apartment consists of finds and treasures, explains Cecilie. “I love hunting and finding unique furniture. It’s fun to find treasures for just the right amount. On a trip to Bornholm (island in the Baltic Sea), we came home with everything, from ceramics to furniture.”
Having lovingly restored the apartment in this historic building, the artist is accepting of any family or work-related wear and tear. “Our home must be open, dynamic and changing. There must be room for many friends and family here, and spaces to be in and live in. I have nothing against the many holes that come into our walls when I change exhibitions and take the works up and down. It’s part of the change and the process – and Polyfilla can cope.”
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