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CV/résumé - artist statement
ARTIST STATEMENT
As a contemplative artist I am keen on and interested in specific marks of
civilization in different areas. Since I live in Finland (2003) I am extremely
involved with the marks of civilization in the rural environment of the place
where I live now.
I aware that my roots are from a different place, the urban area of Rotterdam,
and in a way I am an outsider, but not excluded in this rural community.
Moving to an unknown place, unknown population and an unknown language has given
me an intensive connection with this specific place – first Saksalanharju and
now Hiirola. It has influenced my vision on reality, my relation with culture
and history, and the reflection on my own artist work.
Since 2003 I stayed in the isolated place Saksala –Saksala ArtRadius – which was
prepared for fall into disrepair. Through my personal effort and private
investments during these years the place has changed into a remarkable art and
cultural center with an interesting international network. The former old
people’s home on the natural heritage Saksalanharju has started to become a
crossing point and meeting place for local and regional people, artists and
youth with visitors from around the world in reality and virtual. Unfortunately
it was not possible to continue on this place with the activities and in 2012 I
finally moved to the railway station in Hiirola.
The unwritten history of the country side has attracted me from the beginning
and it is an important part of the careful development of new plans on this new
location. Together with the community the future history has started. The
railway station is interwoven with the people of this region and I am happy and
lucky that I can participate.
My artistic vision is inextricably bound up with my life in rural Finland. The
view, the omnipresent space, the light, the silence and the subtle connection
with the past are components of a great experience for me. The perspective in
both directions from my roots to the present vice versa is a source of ongoing
discoveries in my artistic work.
In my art production I constantly work on my vision on Finnish landscape and
Finnish light related to my personal background. In the years I am living in
Finland my connection with the Nordic color, contrast and atmosphere is
developing. Through experiences with forms, color and composition the organic
structure gets clearer. I frequently experience with the same forms in different
arrangements and colors to undergo the unseen layers of my contemporary
environment.
In series like ‘Finnish Landscape’ and ‘Saksala on the Rock’ I analyze the
components of the visual information and rearrange these elements to new
compositions in form and color.
This work will continue in unknown directions and results, and is the reflection
of my exploration and to bring these paintings together in a publication.
Through my attention and effort and in co-operation with the local society it is
possible to be part of the developing of a rural art community as an example of
a sustainable rural society.
The history, nature, art, culture, agriculture and forestry are sources for
innovative development.
The art and cultural projects are important means to revitalize the rural area
as a source for the entire society and for the participation of the youth in the
sustainable development of their own future.
Just as the art center the new art place Hiirola is a significant ambassador for
Finnish art and culture, and brings the attention of international organizations
and persons to the rural area of Finland.
The international network has been and is important for the reputation of this
unknown area. This has already leaded to a great number of artists and visitors
from over 30 countries from all 5 continents in the art centre in Haukivuori and
continues at the railway station of Hiirola. The exchange with Finnish society
and artists has showed to be of an incredible meaning for both parties.
THINK GLOBAL – WORK LOCAL
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