1. Is being an artist a profession or a calling?
For me, it’s more of a calling, but everyone has their own approach, and neither is wrong.
2. Age:
37.
3. Brightest childhood memory:
I can’t pinpoint the brightest one, but a prolonged illness with a high fever left a surreal memory, which I’ve revisited for inspiration in my work.
4. My ideal morning…
Generally, I’ve arranged my life rhythm so that mornings are as I like them – waking up when I’ve had enough sleep, and it’s not pitch dark outside, making it natural to start the day.
5. What is a workday like for you as an artist?
First, a quick walk with my assistant/dog, Nina, in the park or by the sea, then to the studio at Põhjala Factory to continue where I left off the previous day. I usually work on 3-4 pieces simultaneously, with a lunch break and running errands in the city center at some point.
6. Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
Absolutely everywhere. I believe creative people today have their radars spread 360 degrees, so there’s no direction or channel that doesn’t provide something useful. I also listen to many podcasts while painting and, having caught the film school bug, I consume a lot of series/films and always find interesting and fresh material in stand-up comedy.
7. What is the most common question you get when people find out you are an artist?
The most frequent question is about a specific detail or idea of a piece, followed by the classic “where did you learn to paint?”
8. Favorite piece of music:
I love so much different music that it’s impossible to highlight one, even by genre. But often, while painting in the studio, I listen to the show “Uus Biit,” which used to be on R2 and has now moved to IDA Radio under the name “Biit Me UP.”
9. Favorite book:
Too many good books to choose from, but I particularly like Guzel Yakhina’s “Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes” and works by Lyudmila Ulitskaya.
10. My greatest art experience (piece and exhibition and the emotion it left):
One of my favorite exhibitions was Pavel Filonov’s at Kumu.
11. If you could buy any artist’s work, what would it be and why?
It would probably be something from the Dutch masters because I developed a deep appreciation for their craft during high school.
12. My superpower is…
Repeatedly sabotaging my own art career at an FSB level!
13. Dream travel destination:
Right now, all points related to Native American history seem appealing. There’s so much fascinating history that is relatively underrepresented or utilized.
14. For me, happiness is…
A beautifully multifaceted thing.
15. For me, beauty means…
Something slightly changing, something familiar, something new.
16. Do you have a favorite piece you’d like to highlight?
The most recent works are usually the most current and special.
17. What are your future plans as an artist?
Stability, diligence, and a long, productive career. Being an artist is such an enjoyable activity that it’s a privilege to be able to do it and add goodness to the world.
