Tell me a little bit about you!
I’m a painter from Finland. I graduated from the University of Art and design Helsinki and the Academy of fine arts Helsinki. I hold both MA and MFA. I love line and that’s what my art is all about. Feelings and music play a big role in it, too.
When did you first discover art, or realize you wanted to make it yourself?
When I was in primary school.
What ideas are you exploring in your practice?: Nowadays I make both painting installations and paintings. I’m very interested in space and love filling it with lots of lines. It’s also interesting to see how the line continues from one canvas to another. I’ve been exploring line since 2008 and have never got bored of it. It has always something new to offer.
What is your process like?
I love working on ten or more paintings at the same time. That’s when I can best make use of my boldness. I don’t get too attached to single paintings, and can therefore be bolder; even crazy. Taking risks is important for the process, and when I work with several canvases simultaneously, I can be more open. I listen to music while painting, and I listen to my feelings. Also, I often name my paintings after songs.
Do you have a mentor, or a piece of advice (or both), which has influenced your practice?
I haven’t really had mentors, but I appreciate all my teachers and value my education. In addition, I enjoy discussions with other artists.
Describe your studio.
My studio is about 60 square metres. There are large windows; natural light that is very important to me. Unfortunately, we don’t have much natural light in Finland during the autumn and the long dark winter… Quite often, my studio turns into a mess but I think then is the best time to paint.
What do you find most challenging, challenging, or frustrating about pursuing art?
I think it’s sometimes hard to stop painting early enough. Sometimes I over-paint good ones and notice that only afterwards from the photos that I’ve taken from the process. It’s important to put the canvas away and continue later. I must spend time with each painting, even though I work on several paintings at the same time. I must take distance. Even if I make quick moves, they have to be the right ones. However, I can’t say that painting is frustrating. I love it. I love the line and the rhythm, and I love the color.
If you could sit down for dinner or a drink with anyone, who would it be and what would you chat about?
I’d like to meet a gallerist from some top gallery abroad. I have a great gallery in Finland, but I’m also looking for a place to exhibit my solo abroad. I’d like to talk and compare our home countries and discuss art.
What are three words you would use to describe your work?
Line, rhythm, feeling.
What do you do when you find yourself in a creative rut?
I listen to music and paint like crazy!
What do you love most about your medium? What challenges or surprises you most about it?
I love paintings surprise me. I use several different instruments. I squeeze paint directly from the tube, I use a spatula, silicone gun or spray paint, or spread paint onto the canvas with my fingers. Lately my main technique has been silicone. I love the gloss of it and squeezing it from the silicone gun.
What do you need or value most as an artist?
I value the hard work we artist do. Artists are often poorly paid but still want to create and be active. I’ve been lucky enough to support myself. I realize it’s not self-evident at all.
What keeps you creating?
I get joy out of it. I can also express my feelings – good and bad – by painting.
What are you working on right now?
I have just had three exhibitions almost simultaneously: Solos in Makasiini Contemporary, Turku (FI) and Tm galleria, Helsinki (FI), and I was also part of “We are the ones vol. 1” in Copenhagen, Denmark. Next, I’m going to continue painting and planning my future. I would be keen on exhibiting solo outside of Finland.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m thankful for your great work in Young Space. It’s important to have people like you. You help us artist to be visible. Thank you Kate!
Find more at samikorkiakoski.com and Instagram @samikorkiakoskiartist!
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