– I'm not sure I can pick a favorite, says Linn-Christin Hamre, looking around the living room at Havblikk in Tananger.

She lives here with her husband, Geir Rune Larsen, and their two children. Children's toys are scattered on the floor, and framed family photos are placed on various surfaces. What stands out in Linn-Christin's home are her original paintings of cats, dogs, and famous characters like Stormtrooper and E.T.

– I'm a trained graphic designer, but I haven't worked much in that field. Instead, I trained as a kindergarten teacher, and I really enjoyed that job. Unfortunately, I got a slipped disc and have had several operations, making it difficult for me to work in kindergarten for now, says Linn-Christin.

Paints on the kitchen counter

The girl from Tananger has always felt the need to express her creative energy. Her knack for colors and sketches bloomed early in childhood, but as the years passed, there was less time for painting and drawing.

Linn-Christin further explains that she is very precise in her paintings. Her patience is tested as the paint dries and details are added one by one.

– I probably have ten half-finished paintings lying around, she says with a laugh.

Geir Rune disappears upstairs and stays there for a while before coming rushing back down:

– I counted eleven that are completely finished, he says.

He is interested in Linn-Christin's passion but believes he doesn't have a single artistic bone in his body.

– She comes up with everything herself and is incredibly talented. In addition, she changes car tires and assembles furniture. Her versatility and independence surprised me when I first met Linn-Christin, says Geir Rune.

Geir Rune grew up in Tasta, but talks about the cabin on Rott, where his family comes from.

– Half the island is just relatives. There's always a lot that needs upgrading out there, so that means a lot of carpentry. That way, I also get to experience the satisfaction of details when I've spent time on something. That's important, he says.

On Rott there is also a rental apartment, which at times is reserved for artists seeking peace and inspiration. Linn-Christin thinks the idyll there is well suited for such a purpose, but says that family time is the focus when she visits the cabin on Rott. In everyday life, she settles for the kitchen counter at home.

– I feel like I get enough inspiration here, but I really should have my own room. Now I have to pack up and down every time someone needs the kitchen, but when I have to paint between tasks, it probably works best this way.

Wants to pursue her dream

Linn-Christin has now rediscovered her joy of painting after many years. Although she hopes that rehabilitation after her slipped disc will eventually enable her to function in the workforce, she doesn't hide that she is tempted to pursue art full-time.

– I feel that I have developed a lot even though I haven't painted for many years. It's probably about life experience and maturity, because now I can paint the way I've always wanted to. The dream is to actually be able to make a living from this. With a little more freedom in everyday life, I can try to create my own workplace.

This summer, Linn-Christin took a big step by launching an online store with posters, art prints, mousepads, and T-shirts.

– It's probably the graphic designer in me coming out, she says, pointing out that the expertise also came in handy when she had to create a website from scratch.

Linn-Christin likes to do everything herself. Apart from the printing press, she is the only one who paints and puts the goods online, takes orders, packs, and delivers.

– It's demanding, but I won't get anywhere if I let that stop me.

– What will it take for your dream to be realized?

– I have to invest money and time. I need to learn more about online marketing, because I am completely dependent on reaching the right target group and selling what I create. It's especially scary as a new start-up because I don't know if I'll make any money from it, but I'm willing to take that chance. Being able to produce something that captivates, that others want – that brings me a lot of joy, says Linn-Christin.