Astrid Gerd Judith Hjertenæs was born in Horten (now Borre) in Vestfold County, Norway.
She attended a secretary and journalist school for women (Hallings sekretær- og journalistskole for damer).
The poems show a clear connection to the symbolism of the past century and were often inspired by music and visual art.
A strong personal artistic style, often with the use of free forms, together with the suggestive use of images and symbols, characterize her writings.
Additionally in 1984, she received the Norwegian Academy Prize in memory of Thorleif Dahl (Det Norske Akademi for Språk og Litteratur).