This year, I was enough to spend some time at an art residency – Takahuhti Art Center, located just outside of Tampere city (Finland)
This amazing opportunity was made possible throught a grant from Artist at Risk (AR)
It was a wonderful expirence in a truly picturesque setting – the perfect place to just soak in the atmosphere, create and unwind.
A traditional Fihnnish-style wooden building with a fascinating history. Click the link to learn more
I was lucky to be there for the spring when everything around came alive blossomed.
A bike turned out to be perfect for my walks. Finland has an amazing network of bike paths. Riding through the pictiresque countryside was a whole different level of pleasure. Every trip to the store or into town felt like a neat little adventure where you could spot pheasants, bunnies or roe deer.
You can spot a group of hares like this right from the studio window. They roam freely just a stone’s throw away from you.
Whether it’s morning coffee or a sunset over a cup of tea, it’s true relaxation to just gather your throughts.
My apartment was very spacious. They consisted of a large studio, two separate rooms, a kitchen-living area and toilet.
The studio featured two massive windows and came fully equipped with everything you’d need: tables, chairs and an easel.
My main focus is upcycling, primarily through collage and papier-mache sculpture. Having brought no materials with me. I worked with whatever I coud find or stumble upon: cardboard, paper, paper towels, food coloring, wallpaper paste, candy wrappers and paints. Here is a look at what came out of it.
My first piece was titled: “It seems this is exactly what every refugee looks like, trying to create a new home”
Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, black and red have become the dominant colours in my work. This piece, titled “The hunting” is yet another attempt to capture the reality of Ukrainians living under constant terrorist attacks.
After a while, I just wanted to paint something inspired by my surroundings. That’s how this “Bunny in flowers” came to be, done in a naive, childen’s style.
Red and black gradually faded into the background, giving way to a certain lightness, airiness and calm in the works.
A few people asked if this was a self-portrait. Honestly, it was just a smile. I wish to capture it and remember it this way.
A little behind-the-scenes look at how the work process unfolded.
One, of the last works that i painted. The library building in Tampere became the inspiration.
This is one of the coolest I’ve ever been to. People from all walks of life gather here to hang out and relax. You can do so much more, than just read a book or magazine. You can sew your own clothes, listen to music, catch a punkrock show, or even host an interview or a meeting.
The artists house in Takahuhti is subordinate to the Mältinranta Art Center.
During the art residency, I was lucky to frequently attend exhibitions and varios events. The artists worsks were truly impressive in their scale, craftsmanship and modern approach.
One of the rooms at Mältinranta features artwork by local Tampere artists alongside a selection of souvenirs. Feel free to pick up a keepsake to take home and support they creativity.
More information about residency, can be found on the website
