I have always found Jewish culture very fascinating – maybe because of their ancient history and because this is where the roots of Christianity lie. I also find the Bible a great inspiration for my work as it raises questions that matter in life and death. At the same time, my Finnish background is also affecting my work. There is this certain melancholic quality in Finnish culture, which seems to come through in my painting.

Colour, as well the lack of colour, fascinates me. Also many of my works concentrate on light and movement of light. Although I believe drawing is my particular skill, it is my aim to take it this medium to another level by mixing a variety of techniques. Different mediums such as glass or wood carry different symbolic values. Choosing the medium has a big part of the painting’s symbolic value and conversation between the work and the viewer.

Drawing people is also one of my interests and strengths and as I paint I tend to go inside the characters’ minds. I see a single painting as a part of a story. A painting is not just about what you see. It is much deeper. It is the task of the viewer to penetrate the surface and enter the story.