Summer Updates

Hello all!

It's been a while since I've written here, but now I am taking the time to make some updates. I have things to share :)

Ongoing stuff

My watercolour piece Helsinki is currently exhibited at the National Theatre in Bucharest and will remain there until 30 June. If you're in Bucharest, please go see it. I can't fully describe what it feels like to have my work shown in my hometown! There's something deeply personal about it - like sending a piece of the life I've built here in Finland back to the place where I grew up. I'm incredibly proud!

After Bucharest, Helsinki will travel to Reșița and then to Timișoara, where it will be exhibited from August through the end of October (exact dates still being confirmed). If you're in the west of Romania this autumn, come say hello to it for me.

Two pieces of good news

First: I will once again have my work exhibited at the Cable Factory here in Helsinki, just like last year. Being invited back feels like a confirmation that I'm on the right path and I'm grateful for it.

Second (and this one makes my heart beat a little faster): I will be participating in Habitare, in the art section, between 2-6 September! For those who don't know, Habitare is one of the biggest design and interiors events in Finland, and being part of the art programme is a huge opportunity to showcase my work. For the ones in Helsinki - I can't wait to see you there! For the rest of you – no worries, I will keep you updated :)

On juggling everything

I won't pretend it's easy: full time job. Home. A child who needs me fully present (and my permanent guilt that I might not be there for her the way she wishes...). Schedules. And somewhere in between all of that - ART. The thing that keeps me on track but also demands time I don't always have. There are days when I manage to paint and days when I don't touch a brush at all and feel guilty about it. Some days I manage everything and feel like a magician. Other days something gets less attention... It’s not easy to make space for creativity in a life that's already full.

Growing

Something has been shifting in my work lately, and I want to share it with you. I've been stretching - not just in technique, but in ambition. My watercolours have moved into more complex compositions and even figurative work. These are subjects that scare me a little, which is exactly why I keep practicing them. I've also been increasing the size of my pieces, stepping out of my comfort of small formats and giving the paint more room to breathe. And alongside the watercolours, I haven’t forgotten the acrylics work that uses a completely different muscle. It's been a revelation to move between the two: the patience and transparency of watercolour, then the confidence and immediacy of a loaded palette knife dragging colour across canvas. Some of the new pieces - both watercolours and acrylics - are on my website. I'd love for you to visit and see what's been keeping me busy! Take a look!

A summer wish

As the long days stretch ahead and the light stays with us a little longer, I am wishing you all a wonderful summer! Rest. Visit a gallery. Stand in front of a painting long enough to feel something. Let creativity in your life! And a big Thank you! to all of you who appreciate and support my work!

Until next time!

Ana