...disciplines; for example, in his work "Dioramaism I," sound, film, and imagery come together seamlessly. Recently, Jan has ventured into merging tapestry with photography. Enjoy the insights from the ever-kind Jan Gleie in his 10Q’s.
Name: Jan Gleie
City: Copenhagen
Occupation: Artist and filmmaker
What do you do for recreation?
I do several things and quite different things that bring the same result, which for me is all about mental distraction, ways of calming the mind spin. So, I engage in physical activities or do nothing and just sit. Or engage in creative processes. I can’t choose one over the other.
If you were to do something other than what you do for a living today, what would that be?
Well, I’m really content with the point I’m at, at this moment in my life, so I feel I’m really doing what I want to be doing. The only thing would be surrounding myself and work more with music.
What was the last gift you got for yourself?
I just bought myself two pairs of trainers.
On a deeper level, I have opened a pool of possibilities, working with several new formats, and materials. I have again fallen in love with the process of creating. That has, in a way, become a great gift to myself.
What was the last gift somebody gave you?
I really felt it was a gift when I was taken to a botanical garden in Algiers, a couple of weeks back. It was such a beautiful place of balance and calm.
Photo: Botanical Garden Hamman
What is your biggest vice, and how do you deal with it?
I worry way too much, I plan too far ahead in my mind, and I try to predict the outcome before it happens. And therefore, I often feel overwhelmed. To deal with this, I need to distract my mind, and this is where my “recreation tools” come in.
How do you navigate through difficult situations?
On a good day, the first thing I do is take a deep breath, I try to stay calm, and think twice before making a decision. In bigger, more difficult situations, I rely on patience or seeking advice from people I trust. Always good to get some solid advice when things get difficult.
Photo: Jan Gleie, Tin cast (50 x 40 cm) presented at Other Circle
Name one of your favourite people in the world and why this person is one of them?
I’m so fortunate, I’m living under the same roof with my 3 most favourite people in the world, my wife and two kids, and I love them simply for their solidness and genuineness and for the loving people they are.
What do you do to stay/get in shape?
Staying in shape is really about discipline, and the level of my self discipline varies. But at the moment, I do a couple of high-intensity classes a week and I work out a in gym, also a couple of times a week. Once in a while, I go for a run.
What was your proudest moment and why?
I started working with new formats and I just did a “tapestry” – never done that before – and I’m kind of proud of that. Jumping onto something new is thrilling.
Photo: Jan Gleie, Dioramalism II 2025
Which city is cooking you the best meal and where?
Uhhh. This is big. I love food, but I could never choose one place over another, or even just a few places. At the moment, I really enjoy everything vegetarian, with the best of the season here in Copenhagen. The Lab Kitchen is incredible.