What themes do you pursue in your work and why? I am searching for equivalents for my inner experience from the visible reality. I am interested in how an image emerges and how it transforms its subjects in the process. It is a non-linear, layered narrative that can grow towards various directions. It inspires me how the images connect with each other and how those connections create new associations and thoughts.
Tell us about your current project. My way of working is an ongoing process. I constantly add new pieces to already existing works. Recently I have been fascinated on how certain materials, such as wood, hair and interiors, appear in images.
Do you have some advice for Photography students? It is essential to be immersed in your work. Artistic working process takes time and decisions have to be made over and over again. Artistic work needs an environment open to new references and challenges, free from excessive self-awareness and competitiveness. It is important to have the freedom to develop your work and also to exhibit it regularly.
What was your most interesting experience of studying at the Photography programme in Aalto? When doing my master’s, the university’s support and feedback was very important to me. To work relatively independently and still be able to discuss and develop my work further in courses and workshops with teachers and professors. I also enjoyed meeting the fellow students, my future colleagues and friends.
What do you think is the most important thing when studying at the Photography programme? Time and concentration. It is equally important to find and gather different referencing points, such as seeing other artists’ works, and studying art history and theory.
