Interview with Anna Emilia Laitinen
Anna Emilia Laitinen, whom we want to introduce you to today with a little interview, was born in a small town in Finland in 1983. She spent her childhood strolling around strawberry fields and wild forest and swimming in icey blue lakes.
These experiences clearly have found their way into her lacy paintings you can see on her portfolio or at her blog and with which we fell in love instantly. Who didn’t like building burrows made of blankets, scarfs and cushions?
We have kindly asked her to take some time answering some questions about her inspiration and her work – and here is what she told us…
Why and when did you start making art?
My first memories are about sewing, knitting and crocheting together with my mother and grandmothers. I used to stay home a lot and did many things by myself. Even painting did not come as a passion in the beginning, days were always filled by busy hands and stories.
What kind of art do you make?
Usually I paint landscapes from my surroundings with watercolors. There I mix thoughts and weather and try to find something that joins them. My landscapes are sometimes only collections of patterns.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
From landscapes and weather.
What does your usual workday look like?
There is no separation between my work and free time. Thoughts come when ever they please and weather makes it all stronger. I do like early mornings the best as everything is silent then and just about to begin. Combining enough of painting, walking and tea drinking makes any day a good day.
How do you spend a perfect sunday?
Walking and seeing new landscapes, a small nap and then beginning a new week by a little bit of painting.
What is your favourite taste of chocolate?
Dark and raw chocolate makes one to hum.
If you could have coffee with a famous artist – dead or alive – whom would you choose?
Most probably Tove Jansson. Then we could forget about talking, but just drink tea or coffee and see as waves of the sea are rushing to the shore.
What is your philosophy of life?
One more cup, please.
Thank you, Anna!