A life in layers
This is the story of Norwegian painter and artist Torunn Kjelland, who lives and works in a unique co-housing community for creatives in Oslo. In this shared space, artists not only live side by side but also create a vibrant and supportive environment for creativity. Torunn’s studio sits at the heart of her home. It is a place filled with inspiration, family memories, and her work.
She loves the freedom of living in a place like this, where, as she says, it’s just a short walk to the office.
The houses aren’t very large for a family of three and an art studio, so she has sacrificed part of her studio to make a bigger living room. She feels it’s been worth it, but in the future, when her son has moved out, she plans to expand her studio again.
Having the studio at the center of the home brings both benefits and challenges. The closeness means the lines between family life and focused creative work can blur, demanding clear and steady boundaries.
