Point Elias G. Greaker

Freedom in art
Peik's path into the art world began with philosophy, and continued with a master's degree in industrial design at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design and the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. However, he discovered that the design profession was not enough to satisfy his creative urge.
– In design, you follow a plan to achieve a specific goal, while art is more of an exploratory method. There are no fixed frameworks. I can disappear into the work without there being anything that is right or wrong.

Peik decided to devote himself wholeheartedly to art, and earned a master's degree in fine arts from the Academy of Fine Arts in Trondheim. Since then, he has participated in a number of exhibitions and residencies, showing paintings, sculptures and installations in everything from galleries and art houses to libraries and theaters.
– I often work towards an overarching idea, where each work becomes part of a holistic collection. That's why I like to combine sculpture and painting – it creates an exciting dynamic in the space, between what is standing and what is hanging on the wall.

Learning by doing

In recent years, in addition to his artistic career, he has taught at the art and architecture department at Rønningen.
– It is a privilege to work with young people who want to learn and have a strong urge to explore. It inspires me.

He believes that students who come from art majors in high school can particularly benefit from entering a folk high school environment.
– I am very opposed to giving grades in art. Here we work more like you do at art academies, with great freedom to interpret assignments and take them in a direction you yourself find interesting.

Peik teaches according to the motto learning by doing .
– It's not like teaching mathematics, because in art there is no answer. But you can teach techniques that are good to have in the background – like drawing skills, color theory and a little art history, so that you know the concepts.

He actively participates in teaching and emphasizes that students must think for themselves.
– I can teach the basics, but no one can teach you “fine art.” What we can do is create a safe space where students can find their own creative voice.

More than a stepping stone

– A lot of young people feel like they don't have much time. I think it's important to use your 20s to explore what you really want. You're going to work an incredibly large part of your adult life, so play, learn and explore for as long as you can.

Teaching time is set aside to work on portfolios and entrance exams for art and architecture programs, and Peik says that it is very interesting to guide students with the various homework assignments. He emphasizes, however, that you get a lot out of the year even if you do not necessarily want to pursue a career as an architect or artist, and you will leave with knowledge and project experience that will come in handy regardless of your career choice.  

– What makes folk high schools special is that you can learn a lot of theory and subjects, while also just being a big group.