As a child I started making things by hand as a way to afford gifts for friends and family. I liked the idea of the extra gift of time and energy that is poured into a hand-made item. I continue to make gifts by hand because they are infused with personality, love and attention. I hope that these qualities become part of the object, so that the people who touch or view my creations feel the energy from me.
I began
experimenting in paint a few years ago when I went back to school to get my art
degree. I'm still in the developmental stage of my painting
practice. Each painting is an experiment as I work to find and
express my voice. Since I also work as a teacher and have a
wonderful family, it is often hard to find the time or space to paint.
My dream is to have a studio where I can paint every day to set my muse free. In the mean time I am content to experiment and create things as time and space allow. In addition to painting, I also make scarves, jewelry, gourd boxes, ceramic pottery, and pretty much anything else I can get my hands on.
I'm Edie AsMy grandfather's father, Hans Olavesen Asker lived and worked the Western Asker Farm. He was married to Gina Ravnsborg of the Ravnsborg farm in Asker. He and Gina and most of their children are buried at the Church of Asker in the Asker family plot (click here to see a picture) .
My grandfather Erling Asker (son of Hans O. Asker) immigrated to Chicago, Illinois. He passed through Ellis Island in 1907 with his first wife Christofa. My father's mother, Annie Bohre from Bergen, married Erling Asker after his first wife passed away. She also immigrated from Norway to Chicago. I found a record of her passing through Ellis Island in 1917 at the age of 25 with her two year old son, my father, and his 11 year old step-brother.
I'm proud of my Norwegian heritage. I've been to the town of Asker twice. It is exciting to see my last name on the signs and the railroad station. I hope to go there again with my family. Perhaps we will even be able to find some distant relatives.
