Danish artist Thomas Hallas Ovlisen was recently in town for the opening of his first solo show. Of course, he and his family stayed at the Chelsea. His work includes paintings and sculpture using auto-lacquer and enamel on MDF and styrofoam. 
What do you do? I make paintings and sculptures, so far.
How long did you stay at the Chelsea? Only four days - for now.
What inspired you to stay at the Chelsea?
We (wife and I) were looking for a good place to stay with two kids. Not that we thought Hotel Chelsea was a family place, but there is room for everybody including our jet-lagged kids and us. And I guess I know of it from the Andy Warhol era so it seemed like a great place to stay while I was in town for my first solo show - Klaus Von Nichtssagend Gallery, - and then Rufus Wainright just gave a big koncert at the Royal Opera in Copenhagen, where we're from and so it all seemed to come together.
Do you think there is a creative energy in the Chelsea?
For sure. It is magic. The big chandelier in our room had our 6 year old spellbound. The concierge made a little book with her one morning, when she woke up and we weren't quite there yet. But everything, all the dogs, everybody there acceptance, understanding and a sense of coming together.
Do you think staying at the Chelsea affected your creative development?
I don't know, but I am sure it will.
What other creative people at the Chelsea or elsewhere have influenced your development?
Well both Renee Ricard and Lola Schnabel has a painting of mine. Lola directly influenced hers, and Renee advised in a direction I have yet to take, but I think about it ever so often. Dike Blair was my professor at school, my friends Rob Hult, Dan Colen, Anna Tanner, Alex Dodge. I think though mainly my first boss Jytte Ulrich(RIP) - I love you and I know you are proud of me wherever you are.
What’s the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you at the Chelsea?
Hotel Chelsea is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to me. Cisca (6 year old) said it straight out, but I think that we all dream of living there now...
What's your favorite Hotel Chelsea story?
Everything I think. The craziness. The history. Its life. I am sure it is all right there if we could only see it.
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