The beginning of the Snow Queen

4 December, 2018

The Snow Queen, Copenhagen, 2016
Photo: www.Aok.dk

Where do characters come from?

When asked where the inspiration for my characters comes from, I am often unable to give a specific answer. But with the Snow Queen it’s a bit differentThe Snow Queen herself is rooted in my childhood.

Since before I can remember, my Grandmother Signe read Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales to me. Over and over again through the year. And “The Snow Queen” most of all.

The Snow Queen is my absolute favorite.

The perfect dress for an imaginary wedding

The costume idea came unexpectedly one quiet afternoon in April. I was visiting my parents at their farm in Jutland, and during a routine visit with my mom to the local second hand store I came upon the most beautiful, magical, princess-like wedding dress – in just my size.

“Mom, look at this dress.” I said. “I have to try it.”

“umm… are you planning a wedding that you haven’t told me about?”

“No Mom, but it is beautiful, and I am an artist, so you never know when a wedding dress might be useful”.

My mom and one of the shop workers helped me into the dress, while two elderly ladies watched and waited patiently while we struggled into the gown, so they could congratulate the me for my upcoming (imaginary) wedding.

Everyone was delighted that I was able to find such beautiful wedding dress for such a wonderful price. They all beamed and congratulated me and my mom for my upcoming (imaginary) nuptials. My mother and I played along. That said, although the others imagined me as a blushing bride, in a church, getting married; when I looked in at myself in the mirror, I didn’t see a woman in waiting. I didn’t even see myself. I saw the Snow Queen.

Back at home

At home while posing for my mom’s camera in the living room my dad came in from the barn, with a colleague. Wedding dress? Photo shoot? Very happy young lady? The questions the dress inspired were written on both of their faces.

The beginning of the snow queen, wedding dress, Sellerup 2016

My dad shock his head when I explained that the dress was for a brand new character, the Snow Queen. He thought it was a pity and almost a sin to do anything to destroy the dress. He didn’t understand the difference between transformation and destruction. I was going to make it even better. Like so many times before, when my dad didn’t understand me, I went to visit my Grandma Marie, who lived in an apartment attached to the farmhouse.

Grandma Marie was sitting in her armchair watching TV.

“…check out this beautiful dress i bought

When she saw me in the wedding dress, her face lit up completely.

“…It is for The Snow Queen.”

We both laughed while I was dancing around in the biggest dress I’ve ever owned. She smiled and told me;

“In the kitchen cupboard I have a nice port wine. I think you should pour two glasses for us, so we can celebrate your new wedding dress.”

I did as told.

“Cheers for your wedding dress”

My grandma said with a big smile

“Cheers”