We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want. It is the space within that makes it useful - TAO TE CHING

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Helga Arnalds blends the ancient with the contemporary through her unique creative process

 

At the heart of her craft lies the art of stamping, where every piece is adorned with meticulously handcrafted stamps. This intricate technique imparts a timeless and tribal essence to her pieces. Her art not only captivates the senses but also serves as a gateway to a realm where ancient traditions meet the spirit of modern expression creating a distinct visual language that is both evocative and cutting-edge.

 

In the Icelandic language there is a group of words that all have the ending - úð.  “ÚÐ" is derived from the word “hugð” (thought) and could be translated as atmosphere.

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Ástúð - Love 

Alúð - Devotion 

Mannúð - Humanity 

Samúð - Sympathy

​Léttúð - Frivolity

Dulúð - Mystery

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Helga has given each stamp a name that has the ending - ÚÐ and in this way, each object is like an invitation inside worlds filled with love, devotion, humanity, sympathy, frivolity or mystery.