FINNISH ART

Annikki, 2022 dm80cm Acrylic on canvas + golden and silver metalleaf 1000€ Until this day I have been wondering who on earth is She? Who is this flute-playing, spring-wearing Goddess among wood sorrel? All I knew for sure was what I saw and painted out from the abstract base. First I toughed She was Mielikki or Päivätär form Kalevala, but the idea felt wrong in my gut. It took me a lot of searching, wondering and frustration to finally understand this painting´s identity. I had no idea what I had painted, until I found the Fourth Daughter of the God of Forest Tapio: Annikki. Finding Her broughed it all together and I understood everything. This is exactly the Humour of the Universe! Annikki, a Nature Spirit, is the less known daughter of Tapio, a Goddess, wearing green and playing flute. The matron of the beasts of the Forest. One of the Gods that hunters prayed for to keep them safe from her "pet dogs"(dangers of the forest). The vegetation is wood sorrel, the Finns call even today literally "loaf of the fox" and "bread of the wolf", which in my mind indicates to her pets. With this plant one can even polish metal, maybe her crown and instrument too(?). To this day I remember eating this every chance I found as a child when playing in forests. The taste is brisk sour and fun, a beautiful flower with it´s leaves, first bloomer of the spring . Maybe the spring-like colours took my soul there and made me paint out only wood sorrel. The horns on Her crown of flowers stands for resilience, strength and royal. She is the ruler of the beasts, what the horns are a symbol for. I can not disregard the association of "Pan with he´s flute", but I see no dichotomy here either. Only enchanting harmony. The last drop of Realization was when my 3sisters told me that She looks exactly like our beautiful mother, Annikki. So greetings, Spring and Annikki! If only the world would be free of beasts and orcs..

Steel Steeds 2022 2x 40cm x 40cm Acrylic on canvas + silver metallic leaf 800€ (for sale only together) According to Finnish mythology the first horse is made inside a mountain by trolls (Hiisi). Folklore "Kalevala" says that the main hero Väinämöinen made the horse. But the process is similar in both versions. Head is out of stone, hoofs are rocks, leags are iron and back is steel. Horse often discribes the forces of nature within human that only wisdom and patience can control. Old spells asked the Foal of Hiisi to stop the bleeding caused by iron. What do horses symbolize for You? For me they are absolutely gorgeous creatures full of beauty and majestic wisdom. They also are the center figures of next summers public mural-plan I have made (and from wich I tell more about later..). But since this plan my head has been filled with horses. I guess it was only natural to find them running from thees abstract bases. I believe thees two also prepare me for the upcoming mural too. According to Finnish mythology the first horse is made inside a mountain by trolls (Hiisi). Folklore "Kalevala" says that the main hero Väinämöinen made the horse. But the process is similar in both versions. Head is out of stone, hoofs are rocks, leags are iron and back is steel. Horse often discribes the forces of nature within human that only wisdom and patience can control. Old spells asked the Foal of Hiisi to stop the bleeding caused by iron. You can see thees during this spring in the window art exhibition in FORUM (centrum mall in Jyväskylä) 2nd floor. What do You think about Steel Steeds? Feel free to comment, I would LOVE to know Your thoughts!

Suojelija/Protector 2022 30cm x 40cm Acrylic on canvas+ phosphorus paint (unframed) 500€: Every nation has a birth story for snake. There is a Finnish story in that a witch spat in water. Everyone wondered what would become of it if the Creator would give it a spirit. But God would not do that, because "only evil would come of evil". The Devil and Demon heard this and as the first opportunity came they placed a spirit to the witch´s spit. And this is how the first snake was born. I just LOVE this story! Snakes were considered as supernatural guardians of family, home and farm. Not only feared and respected creatures, they were considered spiritual pets and "small gods". The Finns of Iron Age worshiped snakes and used their remains as magical tools in buildings and such. They were fed with the first of harvest and milk of cattle, but also with the precious first breast milk of women. It is called "drops of gold" in Finnish to this day. Breast milk is also said to give the child the best protection there is. Milk is a universal symbol for abundance and wealth too, just like gold. I love what I found this time from the abstract dark-green-blue base. Snake is a special symbol for me, the icon of my Art. The process always includes a lot of research and reading about the discovery. This is feeding my inspiration and supporting the process. It happens every time that I get acquainted with the Humor of Universe, as the story reveals it self. I get The Sense of Meaning as I learn that everything is connected and related. That is magical! Every nation has a birth story for snake. There is a Finnish story in that a witch spat in water. Everyone wondered what would become of it if the Creator would give it a spirit. But God would not do that, because "only evil would come of evil". The Devil and Demon heard this and as the first opportunity came they placed a spirit to the witch´s spit. And this is how the first snake was born. I just LOVE this story! Snakes were considered as supernatural guardians of family, home and farm. Not only feared and respected creatures, they were considered spiritual pets and "small gods". The Finns of Iron Age worshiped snakes and used their remains as magical tools in buildings and such. They were fed with the first of harvest and milk of cattle, but also with the precious first breast milk of women. It is called "drops of gold" in Finnish to this day. Breast milk is also said to give the child the best protection there is. Milk is a universal symbol for abundance and wealth too, just like gold. All this is where the name for this Artwork origins from. And it is absolutely coincidental that this snake bathes in liquid gold. See what I mean by saying "Humour of the Universe"? I would LOVE to hear has Your interpretation changed after reading this stroy? Please feel free to comment!<3

Nocturnal 2021 100cmx80cm Acrylic on canvas 1400€: Ohh, now They are ready! What a relief for my inspire-tormented mind! Theese two lonely, mystical magic Creatures of the Night, the Cats of the Forest, basking in the light of the Crecent Moon are FINALLY poured on canvas. ❤️❤️ The Art-dog Muro knows I still remain a dog-human, no matter how many Cats I paint.. 😅 Bobcats ( Lynx lynx) have a special reputation and symbolism of their own among Finns, due to their coctail of secret and beasty nature. They are feard and unwanted, soloriders that avoid people. They are actually so rarely seen that they represent truth and esential.

Kekri2020 3 x 15 x 21cm Acrylic on canvas 400€ Finally this three-piece-painting is out of my head! Gosh, I loved to paint it!!!💖 Again I experimented with my new technique-crash that I call Ink-Stain-Test. The colours came from autumn-inspiration, wich turned into a composition of forms and shapes. From there I found Her: The Goddess of Autumn, Mother Nature getting undressed of Summer. "Kekri" is an ancient finnish word for celebration of autumn that had been a tradition for about 5000 years in Northen lands. The word still excists, but only few still recognice the meaning of it. In a way, this is an attempt to honour the season. Thank You for this inspiration, Mother Nature!

Tapiolan Poika 2020 55 x 46cm Acryic painting on canvas 750€: Colours and technique of the Fall combined with this beautiful child-creature was PERFECT to this particular occasion! I found Him, my precious Son, playing with seasons hunting weapons in the arms of Mother Nature. How the theme of self-portrait of the exhibition HELENE20 is fulfilled in our children and our heritage. "Tapio" used to be the most honored God of finns. He´s status was so great Finland was once referred as the Land of Tapio (Tapiola). The importance of Nature, finnish identity, self portrait and future in our children: for me it all comes together in this painting.

Princess of Rorschach 2020 32 x 42cm Acrylic on canvas 350€: An experiment of a technique took me into a totally new sphere of creating. How intriging it was to let the paint to decide what happens on canvas! I found a certain point of letting go of control, wich is quite challenging for me. In the process of letting go a surface of "ink spots" was born, from where I found this innocense playing and wondering. The raven feathers, roses, name and scull refers to enchanting nyances of psychology. Special thanks to my artistic daughter, who agreed to model for me.

After Storm 2020 55 x 46cm Acrylic on canvas 600€: I was very inspired by mythology stories, studying of water and sky, and of course my own realtionship. I wanted to express compassion, love and kindness after the raw force of raging Storm. What damage does it leave behind?

Manan Väki 2022 3 x 28cm x 35cm Acrylic on canvas For sale 800€: Describing a male subject has always been the most challenging topic for me. To paint, I mean. What a magnificent learning and studying process it was to create thees three! The figures were very masculine and full of force from the beginning. They felt like brothers instantly. I took a searching trip to the wonderlands of Internet, and via mythology, etymology, folklore and Kalevala I ended up on the shores of two might words: VÄKI and MANA. Theese both mean basically supernatural forces and powers, both physical wise and spiritual wise. Väki also means people, tribe, family and group. One can also harness, grow and channel it. The word Mana is essentially the same, but it has a twist to it, meaning that it is related to other nations´ and cultures´ religions. Both of theese words are used as pre- and suffix and they have a whole bunch of impressions, verbs and subjects we use in everyday life in Finnish language. Spell, violence, cursings, manifesting and Hell, to mention some. The Crow is related to this story too. Of course. Ancient Finns used to consider it shamanic and holy bird, traveling between worlds; above of Gods, below of the Dead (referred as MANAla too) and back to the middle of the creatures of this reality. A black crow was taken a severe sign of something bad and it still has a commonly used phrase in the Finnish language (the bird of a bad weather). Crows powers were also thought to be grand and supernatural. For me this all makes the Crow a natural part of MANAN VÄKI. For me this triptych represents powerful protection, messages of the Universe and limitless energy. What do You see in it?

Beneath /Pinnan Alla 2022 80cm x 100cm Acrylic on canvas +phosphorus paint and golden metallic leaf 1400€ There are several characters of the waters in Finnish mythology. And though they are ancient cultural artifacts, they are still present in everyday life, lukewarm form in language and behavior. Don´t drown, respect Nature and pray for fishing luck, were the primary teachings of things related to them. In clean and peaceful waters lived the pure and innocent ones, often children. This kind of water possessed the magic of healing too. From them one could ask for curing advice via dream. Favorable gesture from a water God would break if the name was revealed. Water is a feminine element, that symbolizes purity and fertility. Most of the world´s stories of Beginning starts from waters. In Finnish mythology it is also the path between Life and Death. Pearls symbolize purity, calmness and children, which are created in shells. Shells have a symbolism related to femininity, sexuality, and fruitility. They also embody the golden cut, The Code of Life and numeric proportion of Beauty. Red water lily in Finland are protected and poisonous. It´s scientific name Nymphaea referres to Greec and their beautiful (and deadly) magical creatures of Nature. The flower blooms only by day. Maybe they are allured by the fireflies light? Here my secrets hidden in public, deep, beautiful, strong emotions. Will to shelter what is Love, precious and important. Protected, fascinating and dangerous. Woman´s Power, human storm beneath blooming surface. I would love to know what this painting brings up in You?

Kajo, 2022 92 x 73cm Acrylic on canvas + golden metal leaf 1400€ The name "Kajo" means leaking light of rising or falling sun. Shiny things can have this kind of "dim light" too. Like an echo of something that is bright and strong when close. Stars have lined up into stories of their own, forming a special higher place, ornamental roof top above this reality. Ylinen, where The Gods, Legends and ancesters are. White reindeers have a whole amazing symbolism (and practical meaning among reindeer breeders) of their own, that are about shamanic legends and good fortune. About relationship between and among human and surroundings. And Ruska, The colours of The Fall, that are beyond Epic, too amazing for me to picture. With a help of metallic paint and a knife maybe the expression resembles a fraction of what I have experienced through all senses. How does this painting resonate with You?

Mirage/Näky 2022 40 x 30cm + frames Acrylic on canvas board + phosphorus 350€ Have You ever messed up? And instead of quitting worked Your way through? Made Something Else of what You first thoughed was total crapola? There is an antiheroic creation process to this painting. The name referres to what maybe even more than what actually meets the eye. My childlike first reaction to the abstract base I just had poured was pure will to burn it. I saw unpleasant colours, uncharming mixtures and textures. I had expectations that I failed to reach. But could I response instead of react? I had created an inner conflict. My intuitive side wanted to demolish the base and move on. But my optimistic philosopher had other plans in mind. Could there be a lesson to learn in this failure? If there is Beauty in everything, could I find it here too? Maybe I had something to proof myself. I decided to commit to the attitude and carve out what I would find. As much as I enjoy painting, this process was "laborious". It took me extra effort to stick with my promise and long breaks between. One too many times of try & error broughed me to bitter tears and I decided to cut out all the errors, with my nails if I had to. But that frustration led me to discover something new: sanding, schratcing and slitting. That angerlike surface creates edgy texture, whitch broughed me back into the flow. Very annoying to get rewarded this way. Nordic mythologys tell tales of a horn headed Grande Moose and Auroch, first shaman and Gods of the Forest. Royals of the Nature in their epic Sagas. I'll dive into those later. Maybe we all are the Rulers under our own dome. Personally I find here an archetype metafora for a relationship. Maybe the Ass is actually the Moose King. Maybe the Beasty Hag is the Shaman Queen. Both blind in their own vision to protect the Kingdom. Maybe an ugly mess is actually Beauty unrevealed. Is everything just about a point of view? I am so pleased I chose to stuck with this❤🎨🖌

Macchiato 2015 102 x 83cm Acrylic painting on canvas 1300€: The name is Italian and means literally "stained". This blondeness bathing in darkness had steamed in my thoughs collecting meanings and symbols for over an year before I painted it onto canvas. Water, steam, reflections and shiny surfaces were the demanding teachers of this artwork. A clothless man felt intruiging yet challenging topic. This painting was also the front man of my first solo exhibition.

Iconess 2018 2x 30 x 30cm Acrylic on canvas 300€: This two-piece-painting ended my two-year era of not painting. Many of that time´s issues like feminity, identity and soul wrap around each other. Two years´s joy and pain. Name referes to divinity, dualism, perspective and philosophy. Things are often so extreme, with no shades of gray between. Yet the same, ending of edges are just beginnings of another, play of colours, forms and shapes, light and heavy.

Who are the most recognizable Royals and human-icons of our time? Based on my huntch (and some statistics) they are Marilyn and Elvis. For me a valuable lesson to learn and rehearse portrait drawing. And with theese two I can not fool anyone on resemblence. What do You think? Elvis, 2022 Pencil and charcoal on special paper A3, framed 350€

Who are the most recognizable Royals and human-icons of our time? Based on my huntch (and some statistics) they are Marilyn and Elvis. For me a valuable lesson to learn and rehearse portrait drawing. And with theese two I can not fool anyone on resemblence. What do You think? Marilyn, 2022 Pencil and charcoal on special paper A3, framed 350€

Calf 2019 A3 cole and pencil drawing on aquarell paper 300€: Have You ever been betrayd? Have You ever been the Traiter of the story? This charcoal work is inspired by the story of Samson from the Bible. I write it to the first comment, because of it´s legth. I think it´s an awful, raw and sad story of a ruthless and desperate hopelessness. Everyone loses and there nothing left but guilt and blood. And the escape goat, the traitor, snitching "calf" is the woman, who has no other choice. Just a pawn in Men´s Game, getting all the blame. Injustice, now and always for so many women. My melancholic mood of disappointment and weltschmertz is quite there in this piece. Why do the innovent ones always pay the price? What an endless swhirl of injustice, for women too..:( Hairless head reffers to Samson´s strengths (wich were in he´s hair), bee and claws to the riddle and gesture to the blame she has to carry. In finnish language "calf" means snitch, maybe due to this story. Do You know the English linguistics on this one? I´d sure love to know! I find inspiration from many places, and Bible is one of theme. I believe in Universe, Magnetism, Logic, philoshophy of Reason and Consequence and my religion is Love. Reading strories from the Bible for me is just another research for inspiration.

Kaja and Kuu 2022 dm80 cm Acrylic painting on canvas + gold metal leaf and phosphor paint 1200€ The arctic fox is a small arctic canine that is sedated and extremely endangered. This arctic creature lives in the northern polar region. For the first time in 26 years, thanks to nature conservation efforts, that a pair of nesting arctic foxes and their three cubs were verifiably found in Finland. This news (along with my excitement about the upcoming AuRORA art exhibition in Lapland!) revealed this couple from the blue abstract (the ink stain technique that I use). The name given to it by the Sámi, njálla, has passed into the Finnish form "naali". By nature, the fox is extremely curious and brave. Stories of centuries ago from those who have traveled the arctic latitudes can be found on how this fearless animal has explored, robbed and conquered research camps to the point of annoyance. The arctic fox moves at all times of the day and is monogamous in reproduction. The male and female both take care of the cubs, which takes my thoughts to togetherness and the wholeness of the two sides. The round and warm golden shape in the background seemed appropriate to emphasize the shades of blue and the softness of the fur. The coat of the fox is one of the warmest in the world; 1700 hairs in the area of one square centimeter! A gentle and good nature together with a beautiful and warm fur makes it an easy prey for fur hunters. Humans are the reason for the extinction and its resurvival; with the conservation law, taking care of the red fox populations size minimizing and supplemental feeding, the arctic fox is still alive for the time being. Without conservation actions, the fox would have already disappeared from the world. Normally, the eyes of the fox are brown, but there are exceptions. With the artist's freedom, I chose a visual and symbolic blue look for the color. Blue-eyedness has its own meaning as a metaphor for trust, which is easily misused. How to trust Him who is the cause of both good and evil? Reflections on dualism are also two signs of Sámi drums, which are only revealed in the dark; behind the pair is the symbols of Sun on the left and the Moon on the right. The ancient Finnish name of the sun is "Kaja". These two have an undeniable symbiosis in all cultures and legends. They all bring up pondering on religion, philosophy, human nature and psychology..Once again everything is in harmony. Who or what have been brought into the painting? Where does Your intuition and interpretation take Your thoughts to?

Syli/Embrace 2022 50 x 100cm, acrylic on canvas, uv- & phosphorus paint, 1200€ Long story short: Trusting the unknown leads to incredible treasures. My personal interpretation led to my late bear-like father; safety and love. Several nations have their own version of the story of the bear and the woman, e.g. North American Indians and Greeks. The people of Koltta Lapland in Finland also have their own. In Viena's Karelia and among the Mansi and Hanti peoples related to Finland, bear meat is not eaten at all because of this sacred alliance. Bear has had almost two hundred different names in Finnish. Tthe name of the sacred animal could not be said out loud, or especially in vain. "Karhu" comes from "karhea"(rough), referring to its fur. Other names for the bear include e.g. Ohto, Otso, Mesikämmen, Lullamoinen, Forest King, Kultarinta and Kouvo. (BTW: the surname "Kouvalainen" I received in marriage means a small bear or a creature of the forest). The root cause of the bear's special position in folklore and meanings is related to its human-like figure; it can walk, it has five fingers, the bones are very similar except for the skull, and even the breastfeeding position is human-like. In addition to its habitus, the bear was said to be the son of the God of the Sky who has come from heaven and will return there. Bear myths are very similar to saint myths. The bear and the woman also have a logical connection; both were believed to have particularly powerful magic. A woman's powers were considered stronger than bears. In Finnish swear words, this nowadays inappropriate and crude expression of gender parts is sacred and powerful in origin. Even to the extent that the woman was able to protect the cattle from bears by "blessing" the forests surrounding the cattle by exposing the force. It's just the logical humor of the Universe that Medieval writings prove that the symbolic animal of the Virgin Mary was specifically a bear. From Kalevala: Where was Ohto born, honey palm arised? By the moon, by the day, on the shoulders of the brave. It has been lowered to the ground from there in silver belts, in golden cradles.

All natural phenomena and creatures throughout the ages have received both a name and a story from man. The Northern Lights have countless names and birth stories, of which I will discuss here only the Finnish versions in abbreviated form. Regardless of culture, the northern lights have always been considered a phenomenon of the afterlife. Aurora Borealis are called Revontulet, literally "The Fires of the Fox".The Kalevala referres to the Northern Lights with "Gates of the North" and "Fiery Statues". In Finnish, the northern lights are also called "rutjat", "Lights of Ruija" and "White Fire" . Their blaze is described with multiple verbs. Do you know another expression that is not mentioned here? According to common myth, the magical creature Fire Fox every hunter's epic dream catch. Catcher would become rich and famous. Its fur glowed in the dark and sparked by touching. Running on the fells the Fox set the sky on fire with his sparks, which is where the word comes from. It is also interesting that the Canadian Indians have a similar story with a bear in it. I knew I wanted to paint some magical title work that would be included in the AuRORA exhibition at the SOMPIO house in Tankavaara (read more: www.eevakouvalainen.fi/aurora). The exhibition will be amazing! The host of SOMPIO-Talo has even built a special, UV-illuminated space on the premises for works that have used these special paints. The AURORA thought led to choices in the colors of the northern lights, and the end again followed its own paths towards the end result. In addition, visual artists Johanna Kangasharju, Ann-Mari Kamppuri and Timo Huttu and sound artist Anna Saksman have created an impressive art experience planned for the exhibition! Revontulet 2022 dm80cm Acrylic painting on canvas + uv- and phosphoruspaint, 1200€

All the powers of Femininity as Healer, Mother and Seductress are here. An object of expectations, care and worship, charm and beauty, a divine mortal. Powers of Nature, the Nature and Power of a Woman. Personal secrets and privacy concealed in plain sight, veiled in ancient laws, humanity and Femininity. The word "Mehi" is a variant of the word mesi, which is a sweet drink of the gods, also called nectarine-like juice. When you say it, it puts a smile on your face (you tried it, didn't you!) 🙂 The figure in the painting has the power and authority to be worshiped for its beauty, mission and position. It is an excellent metaphor for the timeless archetypes of womanhood. I'm tckled by the whole honey machine, what a magical creature this fluffy flyer is! Introducing honey would deserve its own library. This antiseptic Nature's super product preserves itself and throughout the ages its healing properties have been used to human´s advantage. The sweet treat is still valuable today and it symbolizes wonderful, sweet, rich, joyful, happy, life, fertility, health and precious. In the Kalevala, Väinämöinen is healed with it and Lemminkäinen is raised from the dead with the help of a bee. It is also interesting here that the first honey bees were brought to Finland only in 1760 from Estonia, but it has been referred to in Finnish folklore centuries earlier. It is thought to be due to the fact that the verbal heritage related to honey has been carried along with the Finno-Ugric people. There have always been non-honey-producing bumblebees in Finland, but honey-producing wasps have not. I hope you enjoy my art <3 It would be wonderful to hear your interpretation of the painting, share your thoughts, every word is valuable <3 Mehi 2022 Regular hexagon shape, side length 30cm, width 60cm Acrylic painting on canvas, in addition gold metal leaf and gold special paint For sale: 850€

Godlings 2023 100 x 100 x 4cm Mixed media on canvas For sale 2200€ The first painting of 2023 is now ready. The form was revealed to me at the turn of the year. It seems that everything in the painting symbolizes growth, newness, beginnings and continuity. This painting also has a big story, like all my paintings. Poro is a central figure in Sámi stories and the life-sustaining Deer is involved in the beginning and end of the universe. The reindeer is the symbol of Lapland and Kalevala referres to reindeer when talking about it. In neighboring countries, "poro" is also a word used for Finnish tourists. All reindeers grow horns every year. Males drop them off after mating season in the fall and females after giving birth in the spring. If it loses its antlers or they are cut off, the status of the reindeer in the group is weakened. Symbolically, horns represent renewal, growth, creative power and sexuality. Horns also describe power, honor and strength, metaphors for death and rebirth. I kept coming across the Sun and deity. I liked how the Sun God was depicted as both male and female; as the divine horns grow for everyone. Neither the name nor the form of the painting determines for the viewer what is glowing above. As if this matter too was also open to interpretation. When it comes to drum marks, I find myself dancing on eggshells, even if they are "permitted" to be used in art. I have dared to include two symbols; an adult has a witch mark in its eye, and a mark on the baby´s eye signifies the favor of the Gods. I was fascinated also by the division of the world into three layers. Univers's Humor is also how these two signs resemble each other. The colors arose from the frost of the fire, the purple of the northern lights, the blue moment and the grayness of dead trees. Special paints stretched the tones to unrealistic shades.Everything came together to play with light. What kind of secrets are hidden from sight in the dark? Where does divinity end and mortality begin? Are Witches and Gods just reflections of each other?