An Exclusive Interview on Glass Art and Business Innovation

My good friend and fellow PhD glass artist Margareth Troli is being photographed by Per Magne Nygaard from Fortellfortell AS

This Easter, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my good friend and fellow PhD glass artist, Dr. Margareth Troli, during my visit home to Norway. Our shared passion for glass and sustainable design has shaped both of our creative journeys—despite living in different countries, we continue to support and inspire each other.

During my trip, we were invited for an exclusive interview with the business and innovation department of Saltdal Kommune in Northern Norway, represented by Elin Kvamme and Aina Elise Fagereng from Saltdal Utvikling KF in Saltdal kommune and Elin Beate Johannessen from Beiarn kommune. The interview was organized by Rita Iren Horsdal and Per-Magne Nygaard from Fortellfortell AS, bringing together voices from different regions to explore the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

We spoke about our experiences in the glass industry, the challenges of running creative businesses, and the importance of cross-border collaboration in fostering innovation. Margareth runs her studio in beautiful Beiarn, Northern Norway, while I operate mine in Swansea, Wales. But interestingly, our first meeting wasn’t in Norway—it was at a glass conference in Sunderland, UK. We spoke English for a while before realizing we were from neighboring municipalities back home. What are the chances?

Beyond discussing our artistic journeys, the interview shed light on how innovation and entrepreneurship shape the future of sustainable design. The conversation was featured in the local newspaper Salten Posten,!

Published article from SaltenPosten published on April 20, 2025, at 16:10.

Here are a few images from the breathtaking landscapes I grew up in—a source of inspiration that continues to fuel my work every day.