Sirje Eelma

Artist's country of origin: Estonia

For Sirje Eelma  (born 1950 in Tallinn), the printing process of printmaking, as well as the nuances that develop from the inner possibilities of the various means of expression are essential to the art of Sirje Eelma. Muted colouring brings forth the work’s inner luminosity and contrasts between various textures. References to recognizable motifs are intertwined with an elegant language of form. The secretiveness of the works’ technical multiple layers creates playful spatial associations and holds together a positive attitude.

The main source of inspiration in Eelma´s work is nature. Her favourite techniques in include intaglio printing, particularly etching, aquatint, carborundum as well as mixed media techniques.

The esteemed printmaker actually graduated the State Art Institute of Estonia as a fashion designer and thereafter acted as a costume designer at “Tallinfilm“ for many years. Influences from this walk of life can also be found in her work as a printmaker.

Prizes: ARTE MONTAGNA honourable mention (2008), Printmaker 2008: annual Prize of Estonian Printmakers by colleagues (2008),Tokyo Small Print triennale, Jury Award (2005),Print exhibition in Portland Art Museum, Museum Purchase Award (1997), Tama Art Museum Award, Tokyo Small Print triennale (1995), Seoul Miniature Print triennale, Grand Prize (1994), Riga Small print triennale, Latvia, I Prize (1990), diplomas from many competitions

Works in collections: Estonian Art Museum, Tartu Art Museum, Tallinn Art Foundation; Moscow Artists Union (Russia), Ludwig Museum (Köln, Germany) Slobo collection in Chamaliere`s (France), Tama Art Museum collection, Tokyo Salon collection, Sakima Art Museum Okinawa Prefecture (Japan), Gilkey collection in Portland Art Museum (USA); Raisio Art Museum (Finland); Club Alpino Italiano (Milano, Italy); private collections.

Sources used: The Association of Estonian Printmakers