After
graduating in 1990 from the Academy of Fine Arts I have worked as a fine
art printmaker and teacher. Both professions work in harmony with each
other and bring new thoughts, ideas and oppurtunities to fulfil them.
I was lucky enough to be chosen to study art at very young age and my
working methods as an artist are as natural as breathing to me. I think
and work with a scribe or an engraver`s point in my hands.
My works are a mixture of different pictorial themes, from both varying
historical perspectives and popular cultural genres. My chosen works include
pictorial themes from both free time and entertainment that are as timeless
as classical art and touch us all. The pictures have been inspired by
my own hobbies and preferences. On a general level the works represent
as an attack on Finnish collective knowledge. Serious themes such as loss,
memories and longing are also explored.
I make large scale multi-coloured prints using a variety of techniques
to achieve my desired expression and signature works. The most interesting
idea for me in printmaking in the chance to create new worlds of expression
by repeating and/or combining plates. My collage-style working method
of creating prints, collaborates in complete harmony with my chosen tools.
As well as working as an artist I also teach at various art schools and
hobby groups. I have distanced myself from the usage of dangerous methods
that are hazardous to the health and promote the use and development of
acrylic based metal prinmaking techniques. In conjunction with my artistic
work I feel that the improvement of artist`s health and safety is an important
issue for me and actively work to promote this in Finland.
For this exhibition I have chosen new works that deal and with themes
that touch us all-feminity in different forms, dreams and memories. In
many of the works we are transported to the world of old European parks
and Finnish scenery. These surroundings evolve as a kind of pictorial
gateway for our universal collective memory.
Teija Immonen
teija.immonen@welho.com
www.teijaimmonen.net