Self potrait
Self potrait

                             Autumn in river Ounasjoki Rovaniemi Finland 

A mossy heart
A mossy heart

A seeker of heaven 

The image "A Seeker of Heaven" can be seen as symbolizing the human journey from life towards death and eternity. The hand reaching out towards the light can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human longing for something greater and unknown – perhaps an afterlife or a heavenly destination. The light at the center of the image might represent death or the peace that follows, which one approaches at the end of life.

The gesture of the hand may symbolize a desire to touch the mystery of death and eternity. It could also represent the transition from earthly suffering towards something more serene and sacred. The reflection and refraction of light create a sense of a spiritual journey, where life and death intertwine.

The image encapsulates the fragility of life and the human desire to understand their fate – at the same time, it invites contemplation of what lies beyond death. This journey is universal, and the image creates a powerful visual connection to the experience of life's limits and the eternity that awaits beyond.

Soul hole
Soul hole
Untitled
Untitled

Acryl on paper

The Fox-Breasted Woman

was born out of a meditation on the theme of wildness within the human spirit—specifically the feminine spirit. The figure of the fox has long been associated with cunning, adaptability, and transformation in various cultural narratives. The woman in the image, her breast morphing into the sleek lines of a fox, embodies these qualities of shifting, hiding, and revealing different layers of herself. This dual identity, represented through the blending of forms, speaks to the tensions between societal roles and natural instincts, between human refinement and raw animality.

This piece was created in a context where the artist was reflecting on identity's fluidity and the tensions that arise in reconciling one's inner desires with external expectations. The woman is not simply a passive subject but embodies the transformative power of nature—untamed, mysterious, and constantly evolving.

The abstract, flowing shapes of the woman and fox create a sense of movement and fluidity, which speaks to the transformation inherent in both the figure of the fox and the woman. The fragmented background suggests a world that is not solid or fixed, further supporting the theme of shifting identity and blurred boundaries between the natural and the human-made.

The concept of shapeshifters and creatures with dual forms is prevalent in many world mythologies. The kitsune of Japanese folklore, for instance, is a fox that can transform into a beautiful woman, symbolizing trickery but also wisdom and protection. This connection taps into the idea of duality, where one can shift between roles—instinctive and reasoned, wild and controlled.

Nietzsche's concept of the Apollonian and Dionysian duality—where Apollonian reason and structure clash with Dionysian chaos and emotion—can also be seen in this piece. The smooth, controlled lines of the woman's form represent societal restraint, while the raw, almost chaotic coloration of the fox symbolizes her untamed inner world.

There is also an undercurrent of feminist critique within the piece, touching upon the expectations placed on women to tame their natural instincts in favor of societal roles. The fox-breasted woman represents a reclaiming of that wildness, challenging the viewer to see beyond the socially constructed binary of civilized and wild, human and animal, passive and active.

The fox as a symbol of transformation and cunning speaks to the adaptive nature of the feminine, the ability to navigate various roles, expectations, and identities with grace and wit. The melding of fox and woman in a singular figure represents the blurring of lines between nature and humanity, a celebration of the primal and a refusal to be neatly categorized.

This work represents a broader theme in my practice: the exploration of identity, duality, and transformation. Much of my work focuses on the tension between the individual and the forces—both natural and societal—that shape them. The abstract yet symbolic forms in this piece are characteristic of my artistic language, where I use color, texture, and shape to evoke deeper meanings and allow for multiple layers of interpretation.

I often engage with themes of mythology and nature as metaphors for human experience, drawing connections between personal narratives and universal archetypes. In "Fox-Breasted Woman," the abstract merging of the animal and human is symbolic of the constant negotiation between inner desires and external expectations.

This piece, like many others in my body of work, invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of transformation, to question the boundaries that define their identity, and to embrace the parts of themselves that may not fit neatly into societal norms.

"Fox-Breasted Woman" is an exploration of the transformative potential within each individual, especially the untamed spirit within femininity. Drawing from mythology, literature, and philosophy, the piece offers a visually and thematically complex narrative about identity and metamorphosis. It stands as a key representation of my artistic practice, where abstraction, symbolism, and narrative intertwine to explore the depths of the human experience.

Umbilical cord

Rooted 

 ("Rooted") is a visual artwork depicting a curled-up female figure surrounded by a network of roots. This piece symbolizes the deep connection between humans and nature, highlighting themes of origin, rebirth, and vulnerability. The root system represents grounding and ancestral heritage, serving as both protection and support. The artwork invites viewers to reflect on humanity's place in the universe and the significance of nature in our lives.

"Sotkan muna" The Goldeneye's egg

  • The work emphasizes the human connection to the universe and natural forces, reminding us of how we are part of a larger whole. This evokes thoughts on how we can live in balance with nature and respect its ancient forces.

  • The Goldeneye's egg also serves as a symbol of ecological responsibility, emphasizing the need to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. The roots and the curled body suggest how we are tied to the earth and its well-being.

  • The work "Sotkan muna" combines mythology and visual art, creating a deep and multifaceted piece that invites the viewer to contemplate the cycle of life, death, and creation. It evokes thoughts on the place of humans in the world and the significant role of nature in all aspects of our lives. The aesthetic beauty of the work and its intricate web of roots invite the viewer to explore its meanings and consider how we can live in harmony with nature.

  • The work "Sotkan muna" is a powerful visual and symbolic representation of creation, the connection to nature, and the place of humans in the universe. It reminds us that we are part of a vast network of life, where every action and decision affects our environment and future. Through the work, we can reflect on how we can maintain balance and harmony in our lives, respecting both the past and the future.

Roses

Acryl on paper 16x16 cm.

Roses 2

Acryl on paper 51x39  cm. 

The winds of sky

Carried by the winds of sky seeds and clouds engage in a celestial ballet across the vast expanse of the sky. This work captures the delicate and dynamic journey of these elements as they gracefully submit to the gentle forces of nature.

The clouds, soft and ever-changing, form a serene backdrop, shifting in myriad forms as they drift across the sky. Meanwhile, seeds, intricate and lightweight, embark on their journey of transformation and potential. The winds guide them with effortless ease, each seed spinning with possibility, tracing paths through the air in search of new beginnings.

The interplay between the clouds and seeds embodies the harmonious dance of the natural world, reflecting the unseen yet palpable connection that binds all living things. Every gust of wind becomes a whisper of freedom, shaping destinies and painting the skies with stories of adventure and hope.

The dance of the wind carries both – clouds and seeds – connecting them to an endless adventure where the Earth's natural cycle gains a new meaning. This eternal movement symbolizes the beauty of life and the power of fragility, where everything is connected to one another, and ultimately, when everything unites, creates new life.  

Shadows of Liberation 

"Shadows of Liberation" is a piece where shadows and their symbolism take center stage. In the image, an angel-like figure is placed in a cage, but the true message of the artwork is revealed through the shadows cast on the wall. These shadows represent the invisible yet powerful chains of the mind and soul that imprison us.

The intricate shapes and movement of the shadows refer to Plato's Allegory of the Cave, where shadows are reflections of reality. "Shadows of Liberation" invites the viewer to contemplate how shadows can prevent us from seeing the truth and how they can limit our spiritual freedom.

The shadows in the artwork symbolize the inner struggle of humans and the quest to break free from the chains of the mind. The angelic figure serves merely as a means to highlight the importance of the shadows; it acts as a contrast that emphasizes the power and presence of the shadows. "Shadows of Liberation" challenges the viewer to examine their own shadows and reflect on how they influence their life and spiritual freedom.

Sadan vuoden uni

Body

Vedessä

Free, freed

I'm Blue

Footsteps in time


Dream of a gray butterfly

Acrylic on paper 

Heaven's Gate 


Acrylic on paper 

Waterlily pond

Oil on canvas

Glossy images

                UNIVERSITY OF LAPLAND, FACULTY OF ART AND DESIG

                                                                GALLERY VALO, 1.11. - 29.11.2002 

Glossy images

UNIVERSITY OF LAPLAND, FACULTY OF ART AND DESIGN
GALLERIA VALO, KATVE, KATVE, GLOSSY IMAGES, 1.11. - 29.11.2002