I was born on March 6th,1979 in Sotkamo in Northern Finland. I have been drawing since I remember and my grandmother was collecting my earliest creations. I always got a lot of support in art from people around me. Most of all I thank my uncle - also an artist - who always encouraged me and now is a great colleague.Since I finished High School I have been studying in the following Art Schools: The Art School of Liminka, Finland (1998-1999), the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, England (1999-2000) the Design School of EVTECK, Finland (2000-2001),the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, Finland (2001 - ) and in between exchange year in Bezalel Hebrew University, Israel (2003-2004). Currently I'm finishing my studies as an art educator. However, my main aim has always been to work as an artist.I have always found Jewish culture very fascinating – maybe because of their ancient history and because this is where the roots of Christianity lie. As a Christian I 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 a certain melancholic quality in Finnish culture, which seems to come through in my painting. Some of my Israeli friends have wondered whether I am depressed. I don’t think so. It is just that I am from the North.Color, as well the lack of color, fascinates me. Thus many of my works concentrate on color and 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. 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. When I depict people I tend to explore their minds. 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.
